People seeking asylum and refugees living in Carlisle are being invited to a Welcome to your City day.
Carlisle United’s equality, diversity and mental health group, along with the Community Sports Trust, are going to be hosting the third such event tomorrow, Saturday.
This one follows last year’s successful events at Tribe in Bitts Park which were enjoyed by hundreds of participants and members of the public.
Over 150 refugees from all over the world, people who have fled war and persecution and are now living in Carlisle are expected to come to the Neil Centre at Brunton Park.
There they can enjoy food and hot drinks prepared by John Watt & son, entertainment, sports, games and information about life in Carlisle.
Stalls will include Carlisle College, Multicultural Cumbria, University of Cumbria, Pride in North Cumbria, iCan Health and Fitness, Penrith and Eden Refugee Network and Cumbria Pride as well as Carlisle Refugee Action Group and Carlisle City of Sanctuary, part of Carlisle One World Centre.
Representatives from the local Fire and Police Service will also be present. There will be music throughout the day and sports and games for all.
The event will offer a warm welcome to the men, women and children in hotel accommodation, refugee families from Afghanistan and evacuees from Ukraine who have come to make their new homes in the city over the past year.
The mayor of Carlisle Mike Mitchelson will attend with the mayoress. It will be funded by Carlisle City Council and Cumbria County Council.
Mayor Mitchelson, said: “It is important for those who have come to Carlisle that they are made to feel welcome to the city. We continue to encourage people to be part of our communities and feel they have a part to play. These kind of events are important as they bring together people in a positive and inclusive way.
“It also gives them a chance to meet up direct with various organisations who are available to provide help and support.”
Nigel Clibbens, chief executive of Carlisle United, said: “We are delighted to host and support the event.
“It is an important cross community initiative with lots of groups involved all working together. We are a welcoming city, with welcoming people and a supportive community and the football club is at the heart of that.”
Nigel Davidson, Carlisle United equality, diversity and mental health group officer and fan director, said: “Some of the stories relating to how these people have found themselves here in the first place are harrowing and at Carlisle United we are pleased to be able to give them a warm welcome and assist in a small way by helping to make their lives more comfortable and safe.”
