Campaigning in Cornwall

Hi, my name is Phoebe. I am 22 years old and live in Cornwall. In May, I organised a demonstration against the Government’s cruel Nationality and Borders Act.  

I joined Safe Passage’s Grassroots Campaigners Team seven months ago. Before I became a member of the group, I really wanted to get out there and campaign for refugee rights, but I didn’t know where to begin.  

Since joining, my confidence has grown massively. The group has passionate people from across the UK who campaign for refugee rights and safe routes to asylum. I’ve got involved in national campaign actions, received amazing resources and tips, and connected with local refugee support groups.  

Within this community, I grew the confidence to run my own demonstration outside Truro Cathedral. We wanted to take a stand after all six MPs in Cornwall voted down the family reunion amendment to support unaccompanied minors to reunite safely with family here in the UK.

We gathered pairs of shoes and laid them outside the cathedral to visualise all the children the government has let down.

Safe Passage supported me in planning the demonstration and helped me to write a snappy press release that I could send to local journalists. Here's the story they wrote about us!

The event turned out brilliantly, refugee groups from all over Cornwall came to support us and we spoke to so many members of the public. ITV West Country even contacted me for an interview about the demonstration, and although I was nervous, I knew we could spread the message even further. If you’ve ever wanted to take a stand, I would recommend giving it a go. This experience has taught me so much and has made me more determined than ever to keep campaigning for refugee rights. 

Refugees need action now, and people like you to join the movement to fight for safe routes for all refugees.  

Join one of our welcome calls to hear about how you can start campaigning with Safe Passage.

Phoebe 

Grassroots Campaigner