SENT FROM HEAVEN

Projects and work in the community In the last couple of years, Coventry has taken in a huge number of refugees.With the rise in refugees coming to Coventry, Community Projects have been set up to help Refugees settle in. One of these projects is being run by Reverend Liz Jackson.Founder of Arabian Bites, Reverend Liz Jackson is in no doubt a community hero. Arabian Bites was started in May 2018 and the project has gone from strength to strength. Reverend Liz’s role is director.  When She is not Directing her project, Reverend Liz helps out and supports refugees who come into her project, helping them learn English and new skills.Arabian Bites is a restaurant which employs newly refugees and allows them to run the restaurant and prepare all the meals. Reverend Liz is managing St Francis of Assisi, in Radford Coventry. She has been working with refugees in Coventry for 4 years.  Reverend Liz is a vicar in the Church of England.  Her organisation works in the community supporting people whatever their circumstances. Along with running Arabian bites, she uses her other project, St Francis Employability to help newly arrived refugees find work in the City of Coventry. Reverend Liz Jackson, told CUSU news: “working with our newly arrived new neighbours in Coventry is a huge privilege. I get to meet wonderful people, who have survived shocking situations and retained a strong will to build a ‘normal’ life. ‘There is a sense that we are all in this together-trying to support them as they grow in confidence, learn to speak English and adapt to new ways of living in a different country.”

When asked about Coventry being awarded the City of Culture and the impact it will have on refugees, Reverend Liz went on to say: “Coventry is a great city of welcome.  It is a leader nationally, and in Europe when it comes to the resettlement of refugees. Coventry being Awarded City of culture 2021“Newly arrived people are supported from day one and go through a ‘structured program’ of events and activities, with lots of opportunities to learn English and embed in their new communities.”“I suspect the benefit to them will be indirect to a large degree – the city as a whole should benefit economically and this will have an impact on all residents. “That said, the groups throwing themselves very much into City of Cultures are many and varies and there are lots of opportunities for people from varied backgrounds to be part of the events that are happening. “ Animal LoverWhen she is not working, Reverend Liz, takes care of her pet, chicken, duck and goose.“keeping these Animals is very therapeutic and allows me to relax when I’m not working.”With people like Reverend Liz, who devote their time to welcome and support newly arriving refugees, Coventry will grow and also have the support need for newly arriving refugees.Reverend Liz is a Local Hero.