Project helping Afghan families living in Devon

Afghan families have praised an arts project for helping them settle into Devon life after being relocated from their homeland.

The Gatherers scheme was organised by art charity Honeyscribe and Libraries Unlimited throughout 2024 at Braunton Library and Braunton Countryside Centre.

The project invited 18 families who moved to the former RAF Chivenor site under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) to join walks with local residents and collect flowers to make arts and crafts items.

Sharifa, who took part in the scheme, said it has been a great experience for all involved and helped the families make new friends.

The ARAP scheme was set up by the government to help Afghan nationals work with British military personnel to relocate to the UK with their families.

Sharifa, who attended the project alongside her daughter, said the activities in the group included making cards, badges and medals.

"It was great for all of us as we got to experience new activities especially around making some arts and crafts," she added.

"I think it has been very useful and joyful for us and it has helped the children make new friends."

Amy Shelton, artistic director at Honeyscribe, said the scheme helped to break down barriers and welcomed the families from Afghanistan into the community.

Ms Shelton said: "I gave them all some flower presses and asked if they'd be involved with this with project, not knowing if they would be.

"Week after week they came in and we had a lot of fun."

Braunton Library supervisor Sarah Bushell said the project had "amplified" the role libraries can have in bringing people together.

"Our staff meet many customers every day who feel isolated and lonely, and projects like these can really have an impact," she added.

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