Current news.
Youth Music Awards 2024 nominee
We were delighted and humbled to attend the Youth Music awards 2024 at Troxy in London on 16th October. Our music project with asylum seekers, in partnership with Live Music Now was nominated for an award in the Social Action category, along with two other amazing projects.
The category winner was the amazing Scottish producer, Sanjeev Mann, for his incredible work to make music production more accessible for disabled music producers.
Elly, Dave and Mahsa had a great time. Dave said, "Although we didn't win the award we were delighted to be nominated. It was amazing to meet so many young creative people, and organisations helping young people to find their creativity, purpose and self-worth through music."
UASCs Summer holiday activities
During the first two weeks of the summer holidays CHARIS ran a programme of special activities for around fifteen UASCs (Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children) which was great fun for all involved! Activities included archery, quad biking, crafts, beach games, bowling, paddle boarding, drumming and a visit to a zoo.
This programme coincided with anti-immigration riots around the country so it was good to do such positive things with the young people to relieve their fears and anxieties.
Many thanks to Taunton Town Council Youth Grant which made this programme possible.
SANCTUARY ARTISTS exhibition, June 2024
We are delighted that the Sanctuary Artists exhibition is now live at Bath Abbey. Sixteen artists from eight nations are exhibiting their work. All have sought sanctuary in Somerset from war or persecution.
The exhibition is open every day until June 30th.
Asylum Seekers music project
A group of asylum seekers had a great time at Actiontrack Studios in Taunton during Easter holidays, recording songs they’d written as part of a music project that took place during the half term break. The project was part of a wider music programme…
CHARIS Vision.
To see individual refugees and families happily settled in the UK and contributing to the wellbeing of their communities.
CHARIS Mission.
To be friends to refugees, and to provide the practical, emotional and spiritual support they need to settle and live happy and healthy lives.
Stories of transformation.
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Supporting refugees.
Moved by the plight of thousands of refugees fleeing war in Syria, and in direct response to the Government's opportunity to sponsor refugee families from the Middle East, three churches in Taunton came together to form CHARIS. We received our first family in July 2017 and continue to settle families around Taunton and Exeter.
Supporting other
Community Sponsorship Groups.
In addition, CHARIS is working in partnership with Reset in the Southwest of England to provide training, advice and application workshops for other Community Sponsorship groups that are welcoming refugees into the region.
