Refugees Welcome installation for Brixton Design Trail

How best to engage a whole community in welcoming refugees? Invite them to help create something to which everyone can contribute. From 15-23 September, Refugees Welcome Lambeth and the residents of Trinity Gardens have welcomed people for this year ’ s Brixton Design Trail, with a hand-made installation in Trinity Gardens, SW9 that celebrates our diversity and the journeys that have brought us here.

The display contained:

Welcome banners

Handmade banners made that reflect our cultural identities, familial roots and over 30 languages spoken across the borough.

The centrepiece

A contemplative space where people c ould reflect on the journeys that they ’ ve taken to Lambeth, whether from London or further away . V isitors could read the thoughts of Lambeth residents and consider what Brixton means to them.

Yellow roses and pompoms

Yellow roses signify platonic friendship and new beginnings. Some are knitted, some crocheted or sewn - each is different, yet they all have so much in common.

Many people across the borough helped create this installation, including the families who have come here under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Programme . Banners were made in several of our member churches, in the pub in Trinity Gardens and in the Brixton Pound Cafe. Flowers and pom-poms came from member institutions all over the borough and beyond.

The highlight was a putting up party on Saturday 15 September. Dozens of people joined us in creating a festive atmosphere with a picnic and flowers and pom-poms everywhere. We conclude with a visit from the Mayor of Lambeth on Sunday 23rd.

For more see here .

Blog by Barbara Wilson, co-Chair of South London Citizens