Age UK Barnet welcomes Syrian refugees for tea and chat

Syrian refugees have been brushing up their English skills with Age UK Barnet clients and volunteers at the Ann Owens centre.

The 12 Syrians who are coming along are part of the group of 50 refugees being supported by Barnet Council and are being encouraged to learn English to help them settle in.

Throughout August, Age UK Barnet is holding Conversation Café for a handful of these refugees to chat to our clients and our team of volunteers over a cup of tea and biscuits.

‘The first couple of sessions have gone really well,’ says Howard, from Age UK Barnet Neighbourhood Services, who has helped organise the event. ‘Clients and volunteers have been playing games with the Syrians, as well as getting to know each other.’

Our volunteers have been particularly welcoming.

Lucy, a retired lecturer in Arabic, has been able to speak to the refugees in their own language to make them feel relaxed when they first arrive. Leila and Vlatka have been speaking to the refugees in English hoping to increase their confidence in speaking.  

‘Not only were the refugees, extremely approachable and genuine; they were inspiring to be around,' says Leila. ‘Their friendly nature accompanied with their struggle to grasp our language and make a new life for themselves and their families made a real impression on me.

‘The difficulties these people must have endured during their journey to our secure country leaves such an impact. It is hard to imagine the pain of leaving our loved ones and our lives behind in a place that is no longer suitable for living in - a place that these people so similar to ourselves once called home.