On Sunday (12 November) join us for a creative workshop and commemorative ceremony in memory of the people who have died fleeing war-torn countries to seek refuge over the past year.
You are welcome to join us for as much of the day as you would like to attend, including all or part of the creative workshop (12:30-14:30) followed by a procession and a commemoration ceremony, or you can meet us at Waterloo Action Centre at 14:30pm for the procession and ceremony.
This year, we will be particularly reflecting on the people of Palestine, remembering those who have lost their lives and the need to fight for the living, as the UK and other governments continue to ignore the scale of the crisis and the imperative to show support for refugees in search of safety.
In the hostile political context of the most recent Immigration Bill and amidst a government that wants to close our shores to refugees, this is a crucial time to come together to remember the people whose lives have been lost as a result of these policies, and to hold space as a community.
We will be running crafts workshops suitable for all ages, to make wreaths, as well as postcards with messages of solidarity which will be sent to people currently in UK detention centres. All are welcome, whether you are joining us by yourself, bringing some friends, or coming with your family.
It will be a relaxed event, where craft materials will be provided, and we can all come together in an act of remembrance and solidarity.
What to expect:
- Craft materials will be provided.
- Step-by-step workshops will show you have to make your own wreaths, or you are welcome to craft your own object or message.
- Waterloo Action Centre is wheelchair accessible, with toilet access. We will all be looking after each other, but we will also have some people around on the day to support with welfare 💖
- You are welcome to bring food or drinks along to the creative workshop, in case you get hungry during the session! We will also provide some snacks and refreshments.
- We will have a commemoration service after the creative workshop. This will require some walking/travel. You are welcome to join for the creative workshop, or to meet us at Waterloo Action Centre at 14:30pm for the commemoration.
Please feel free to reach out to lgsmigrants@gmail.com if you have any specific accessibility requirements or if the cost of travel would prevent you from attending this event.
PROGRAMME DETAILS
12:30-14:30 – Creative workshop
- We will have a creative workshop, where you will be able to make wreaths, as well as postcards with messages of solidarity.
- We will have other craft materials available, and you are also welcome to craft your own commemorative items.
14:30-15:30 – Vigil
- After the workshop, we will have a commemoration service. This will involve some walking (less than half an hour)
- For those who can’t make the workshop, you are welcome to join us at Waterloo Action Centre at 14:30pm.
- We will lay the commemorative items, hear from some speakers and hold a minutes’ silence.
- We will be gathering for refreshments after this ceremony, which you are all welcome to join us for. We will share more info on this closer to the time.
If you would like to speak at the ceremony, please email us at lgsmigrants@gmail.com.
Please note: The workshops will be open to people of all ages and children are very welcome, but please note that it is a commemorative event and will reference topics such as loss and grief. You are also welcome to join for as much or as little of the event as you can attend, or to meet us at the cenotaph if you cannot make the crafts event.
Registration details:
You only have to register for the craft session (12:30 - 14:30) at the Waterloo Action Centre because the room has limited capacity and we will also need to ensure we have the right supplies. If you would like to come just to vigil then you can meet us at Waterloo Action Centre at 14:30pm.
Safety information
Whilst we do not anticipate any problems or conflict, it is possible that some members of the public may react with hostility. We will do everything we can to keep each other safe and to provide support on the day.