The Give a Voice project was designed to train young Asylum seekers and Refugees in the video production skills required to produce a short film or documentary about their experiences.

Over a 10-week period Montevideo worked with young Asylum seekers and refugees at the Drop in Centre in Grimsby.  This activity provided a platform for them to express their feelings about their circumstances and to make these thoughts public and available to anyone who wants to listen. Our belief is that Asylum Seekers are the best people to speak about Asylum Seeking.

The final 19-minute documentary consists of several vignettes, all filmed by or with the assistance of Asylum Seekers and Refugees.

The Drop in Centre

Interviews with staff and volunteers at the drop in, including Una Cunningham, Cazzie Adams and Joy Spreadborough, give a better understanding of what the centre offers. They also discuss their personal stories relating to the Drop-in Centre and their relationships with Asylum Seekers.

Express Yourself

This section allowed the Asylum seekers to express themselves direct to camera. The shots are framed to show only their mouths, preserving their anonymity and forcing the viewer to concentrate solely on their heartfelt words. The question was simple; ‘ Tell us your hope in life in one sentence in your own language.’

Samy’s interview

Samy ( pseudonym ) comes from the Kurdish part of Iraq. He was granted refugee status in 2000. Here he talks to us about his life in Britain, expressing the good and the bad side of living abroad.

The football 

This part of the documentary captures the camaraderie that occurs when a group of people get together to play the ‘beautiful game’. People of all nationalities, races and footballing abilities enjoy football matches every Friday run by volunteers from the Drop in Centre.

The traditional dish 

This section shows local delicacies being cooked. Two dishes were prepared; one from Togo and one from Ethiopia. These were then served and enjoyed by everybody at the Drop in.

About The Drop in Centre 

In 2002 Angela Faulding, Specialist Health Visitor, N E Lincs Primary Care Trust, had the foresight to bring agencies together and create a one-stop drop-in centre where asylum seekers and refugees could:

• Develop familiarity of the local area and awareness of local services and agencies.

• Have access to statutory and voluntary agencies in one place.

• Practice conversational English with English speaking volunteers.

• Meet with other refugees and asylum seekers

• Meet with volunteers and make friends within the local community.

• These opportunities are provided within a safe, informal environment.

This centre could not operate without the dedication of our volunteers to whom we are extremely grateful.