Refugee Groups Enjoy Dales Surroundings

Two groups of refugees took part in a two-day residential at Parcevall Hall in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales thanks to the Friends of Parcevall Hall with support from Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust’s outreach programme People of the DALES.

Participants of BIASAN (Bradford Immigration and Asylum Seekers Support and Advice Network) and St Vincent’s Support Centre in East Leeds enjoyed a tour of the Hall’s magnificent gardens, walks around Trollers Ghyll, arts and crafts and good food.

Dating back to 1586, the Hall is a retreat house of the Anglican Diocese of Leeds and is set in the magnificent plantsman garden at the heart of Wharfedale.

Judy Rogers from People and the DALES said:
“For both groups time out of the city in the Yorkshire Dales enables individuals to recharge their batteries whether they are staff or service users. For many it was the first time to stay in such luxurious surroundings and one visitor said that she never imagined she would ever stay in such a place in all her time in the UK.

“Time away from the hassles of everyday life is good for well-being and helps to build community, whilst experiencing the great Yorkshire welcome supports those on the margins of society.”

Supported by People’s Postcode Lottery, People and the DALES is community outreach project which enables disadvantaged groups from urban areas to take part in a wide range of fun, active and thought provoking activities in the countryside with the aim of providing people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to return independently and improve health and well-being.

Since 2005, the award-winning scheme has enabled more than 10,000 people to enjoy life changing opportunities to get out and about in the Dales.

BIASAN was the first group to spend two days as guests of Parcevall and Mo Rahman from the group said:
“They loved it! They said it’s the best place they've visited in a long time, and they had the rest of the group enthralled by their pictures and memories.”

BIASAN or Bradford Immigration and Asylum Seekers Support and Advice Network supports the hundreds of asylum seekers and refugees that live in Bradford. They run a women’s group and offer English language classes and advice to new arrivals.

They have participated in many outings to the Yorkshire Dales offered through the People and the DALES project, but this was the first time that they have stayed overnight at Parcevall Hall.

St Vincent’s Support Centre in East Leeds run English language classes, immigration advice, and are dedicated to changing lives through advice, support, education and community.

One participant said:
“I liked the peaceful and beautiful surroundings. All the staff were so welcoming, helpful and friendly. [My] favourite activity was walking and looking.”

Whilst another added:
“This old building is very nice and clean and strong walls. I enjoy very much. Food is very nice. People are friendly, I feel like family, everybody. Feel upset to leave … will never forget.”

Judy continued:
“We are extremely grateful to both the Friends of Parcevall Hall who fundraised to make these residentials happen, and to the staff at Parcevall Hall and gardens.

“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their time; the hospitality was outstanding and their care for everyone that walks through their door was humbling.”