In the heart of the Baltic Triangle, Constellations hosted the inaugural voyage of Humanize, a meeting of minds, eager to combat and bring awareness to, the plight of Asylum seekers.
The handwritten welcome sign resting on an easel as you enter sets the mood for the relaxed and friendly atmosphere inside.
Unlike other charity events, there will be no dickie-bows or tails, no grand speeches or sports memorabilia auction but a homely gathering of like-minded individuals striving to make a difference.
Inside, an eclectic mix of students, supporters, asylum seekers, local business people and a handful of Baltic artisans are conversing excitedly about issues of the day as a dread-lock clad DJ takes to the booth to play a set encompassing world music and chilled 60’s psychedelia Warm regional fare is served gratis courtesy of Happy go Cooking and prepared by trainee chefs from the MOWLL institute.
Humanize is the result of a collaboration between Asylum Link UK, Liverpool MOWLL and Happy go Cooking Catering co.
Liverpool based MOWLL educates and coaches students with learning difficulties to become empowered while learning valuable life skills.
Hosted by resident Down for Funk DJ and asylum link UK volunteer, Alex Large, this night personifies the true nature of compassion, empathy and personalised altruism.
Alex, formerly an aid worker for refugees in Austria, says his experiences working with people in crisis have inspired him to continue working towards better conditions for refugees in the UK.
He aspires to use small scale events to make a bigger impact on a personal level for those living in an ‘unnatural environment’.
He said
“The media and newspapers either dilute the issue or do not understand the severity of it, it is important people are educated about the issues surrounding asylum and do all they can to find the compassion to help those affected”
As the night draws to a close, an Iraqi refugee (a status he still hold despite arriving in the UK thirteen months ago) is body popping on the dance floor in an attempt to outshine a nimble university lecturer throwing shapes and Sky, the inexhaustibly enthusiastic Happy go cooking proprietor who has joined them centre stage.
The family atmosphere is consuming and the passion is palpable, the people gathered here stand as equals. They are here to work together with and for the displaced.
An imposing statement about the importance of small charity events has been made by Humanize. A call for smaller interpersonal relationships to be cultivated with each person seeking asylum has been made. They that move the mountain begin by moving small stones.
J Macauley
