Opinion: Mansfield people gave refugees safety when they needed it most

You might have volunteered with us or joined us on our trips out of town; or you may have eaten their delicious meals, dug their allotment, or joined in our English language classes.

But if you haven’t met us yet, our name is Maun Refuge, and we have befriended refugees since 2015.

First we gave a welcoming hand to the local councils who were supporting vulnerable families to escape the war in Syria.

More recently we have opened our hearts to refugees from ‘anywhere’ who have ended up in or around Mansfield.

Some people don’t like the idea of refugees entering our country and would rather see them ‘chucked out’.

But do they know why refugees come here?

Once you hear their stories, most of us feel impelled to look out for them.

Take, for example, Nadia (not her real name), a doctor from Sudan, who fled with her family to the UK after war broke out between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the RSF tried to recruit her sons, then aged 15 and 12 – forcing her to hand over her jewellery in exchange for their safey.

After two months of living through war, the family escaped to the UK where, they realised they could not return to their lives in Sudan as the war escalated.

She said: “We had no option but to apply for asylum.

“Eventually, we found ourselves in Mansfield where I was introduced to Maun Refuge, a dedicated local charity that supports refugees and asylum seekers and helps them integrate into the community.

“They became our anchor, they helped us understand the town and guided us through essential services, including schools, healthcare, and the local council.

“They supported my children with their educational needs and encouraged them to pursue their ambitions.

“They also supported me as I prepared for my professional exams, ensuring that I had what I needed to focus on rebuilding my career in medicine.

“Most importantly, they believed in us.

"They saw our potential and made us feel that we belonged and could make a positive contribution to the Mansfield community.

"For that, I will always be grateful.

“Today, I am working in a care job and am just one exam away from resuming my medical career.

"I also volunteer with Maun Refuge, where I strive to provide the same level of support and compassion that my family received when we arrived. My children are thriving in their studies and are active members of their community.

Mansfield people gave us safety when we needed it most.

"You also gave us the opportunity to rebuild our lives and look forward to the future once again.

"Thank you.”

To get into touch with us, become a volunteer or a trustee, email [email protected] or call 07564 910983.