The Solace Project
When we define solace, we imagine, a safe space in times of distress-a place that offers sanctuary to those who need it most. The Solace project does just that. It is an initiative to support the mental health of vulnerable people who need it most. Home to a vibrant and diverse group, it gives those in the most unique of circumstance a semblance of relief in an uncertain and frightening time.
In the following piece we share with you the Solace project, how it came to be and it’s impact on the community.
Where did it begin…
Tyneside and Northumberland Mind have collaborated with local organisations for many years, as is common within the sector. We aspire to empower everyone and believe the very best work comes from collaborating with those who specialise in areas we do not, and offering our expert knowledge in areas they do not have it. We have and continue to partner with many organisations across the North of England on services, campaigns, and signposting. When we build connections we do so with the intent of building strong, long-term links. We do this because we believe that is the very best way to create a community that is united in its fight to ensure every person is supported to our greatest ability.
We have a long history of supporting asylum seekers and refugees, a service of this kind begun with co-facilitating sessions for those seeking sanctuary with local charity Rainbow Home. Dedicated to offering specialist support to asylum seekers who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, guiding and advising on their journey to securing sanctuary with care centred around the person.
Tyneside and Northumberland Mind’s collaboration with Rainbow Home begun with the creation of safe spaces to meet, connect and share with curated art exercises as the focus. It has been an successful partnership, which has only flourished over time. We even attended Northern Pride together just a few weeks ago! Our passion to support local people, and do all we can to fulfil a need for mental health counsel lead to the development of the Solace project. Which brought together organisations St Vincent De Paul, Rainbow Home, and ourselves.
St Vincent De Paul provide help and support to vulnerable individuals and families with a community centre based in Newcastle, operated by St Vincent De Paul Society. They welcome more than 750 people seeking asylum and with refugee status each month, in need of nutritious food, a communal space, and above all else, a safe area to connect and share their unique journeys.
Solace is an amalgamation of our past experience, evolving over time into a service which offers essential support. It is responsive, as we aim all our work to be, and channels the knowledge of our partners, the users of the service, and our experience, to offer the very best mental health help we can.
What is Solace…
Solace aspires to support the mental wellbeing of refugee’s and asylum seekers. We do this by co-facilitating drop-in meet-ups at St Vincent De Paul’s central Newcastle space for families and individuals accommodated in local hotels around the city. Here, people can connect with others on a similar journey in the UK, provide practical support, and receive optional group and 1:1 mental health guidance.
We similarly provide a bi-weekly group in our Newcastle space for those identifying as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, who have fled their home countries for fear of persecution due to their sexuality. This is a group co-facilitated with Rainbow Home to offer sanctuary and wellbeing support to people, using activities which help us manage our mental health. This group has existed under a variety of names for more than three years, and continues to be incredibly fruitful. In that time we have worked with members and featured in Newcastle University’s Refugee Week art exhibition, launched digital wellbeing tools and used the learning to improve and embed greater diversity, equity and inclusion throughout our services.
The final segment of the Solace project will see us in the future offering additional outreach support to others seeking sanctuary. All work done with Solace is a collaborative effort with the help of many. Its impact is substantial and offers individuals with little support a much needed respite during a tumultuous time. You can read about one members story here.
Why Solace is important…
As of early 2023, the north east was home to 1099 asylum seekers from Iraq, Iran, Eritrea, Albania, El Salvador, Pakistan, Sudan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Turkey, Syria, Ethiopia and China. Our partners reached out due to an unprecedented need for mental health intervention as they attempted to support all those within this at risk group. Not only do those who have fled their country, whether for fear of persecution because of their sexuality, due to concerns of their safety or other extenuating circumstance on arrival to the UK, experience overwhelming distress but they are also often met with racism and hostility. This does not factor the feelings of uncertainty they will have of their future, the trauma of leaving behind all they know; their home, loved ones, their way of living. Barriers are present in nearly every way of their current lives, we aim to dismantle a pivotal one, access to mental health support.
“It’s no surprise that the mental health of sanctuary seekers is incredibly vulnerable with a high number experiencing PTSD, anxiety and depression. That’s why we’re incredibly thankful for this funding which has enabled us to reach out to so many vulnerable sanctuary seekers.” said Lisa, co-founder of the Solace Project and Wellbeing Manager at Tyneside and Northumberland Mind. She adds: “Working in partnership with Rainbow Home and St Vincent De Paul has enriched our organisation greatly. We continuously learn from this work and all the expertise that our partners bring. Above all else we learn hugely from the many humbling experiences of every person supported.“
Solace so far…
The Solace project has, and will continue to adapt in its delivery depending on the needs of its members. As with many of our services, it’s externally funded and therefore has technically only been in operation for a few short months. Yet we have received wonderful feedback from our partners, members and community stakeholders.
“Watching the growth and connection of the group members during the sessions is wonderful to see” said Jill, the Rainbow Home Manager. “There is a collective safety in the sessions, and a great deal of trust and mutual respect. Everyone is equal here. Difficult discussions are had and there is also fun, laughter and joy.”
The Solace project which aims to protect and preserve the hope of its users during the difficult process of securing citizenship in the UK following an often traumatic past has already done just that for many. “Members really value the group and opportunity to connect safely and express themselves.” adds Jill. “They enjoy the activities and being together, bringing topics or personal issues to discuss.”
The partnership works extremely well and people can have their psychological, social and practical needs met, for example concerns regarding their asylum claim or other pressing demands.”
Betty, a Wellbeing Coach at Tyneside and Northumberland Mind who facilitates the Wellbeing activity groups adds that groups “provide a safe place for people to sit, feel welcome and accepted.”
“The project engages people through creativity, as for many, English is not their first language. Using creativity allows us to establish a relationship usually through a mix of writing, drawing and google translate! Building connection and trust allows us to ask ‘What is going on for you? What do you need?’.
During the Solace session we may refer people to the onsite Citizens Advice Bureau team, the Justice for Peace project who provide food parcels and clothing or to the SVP team who scoop people up if needed, providing anything from a warm drink, clean clothes, or baby milk. In return, the various organisations may refer people or ask us for wellbeing advice and support.”
Solace Project members were kind enough to feedback their experience so far, read below how they’re finding this new service.
“I like to come here, happy, comfortable. I’m with my family”
“Rainbow [Solace Project] is an interactive group with free minded people where we meet, learn and share ideas and experience”
“Good. I came here, I feel it’s good. My LGBT family are here. It’s good for me”
“Support me, mentally I’m free to talk about my sexuality. I’m free, I’m me”
Services like the Solace Project are made possible with the support of funders like Mind and the generosity of local people. We exist because of you. Thank you for all you have done, and continue to do for us, and for helping to ensure people across our region have access to mental health help when they need it most.
