The Walk for Welcome is a virtual fundraising event run by Upbeat Communities. Throughout June, across the Midlands, people have been walking on their own, with family or friends, or even with tiny tots! Armed with little more than sun cream and bottles of water, and often with the lure of an ice cream at the end, our intrepid fundraisers have been Walking for Welcome.

The beauty of a virtual event meant a whole host of different routes, locations and distances - up to 30km! - were walked. One incredible couple even cycled for welcome, taking part in the gruelling coast-to-coast challenge.

My teenage daughter and I took part in the Walk for Welcome together. We set out as early as you can with a teenager (!) as the forecast had warned us it was going to be a hot day. We packed a bag with water and pastries (by far the best walking treats!) and set off.

We’re lucky enough to live very close to a beautiful forest so we planned our route through there, helping to keep us cool in the shade of the trees. Listening to Upbeat’s unique podcasts at the different parts of the walk gave my daughter a new understanding of the experiences of an asylum seeker. The three episodes told the stories of multiple people seeking refuge in Derby in their own voices: who they are, where they came from, why they had to flee. Their hopes for the future. Their thankfulness to be welcomed into community by Upbeat.

My daughter told me she knew refugees fled their home countries during wars, but hadn’t realised there were so many other reasons which might make someone flee their home. She hadn’t realised that in some countries the levels of violence in day-to-day life are so extreme that regular family life can become impossible. She said she knew that in some countries governments and regimes treated their people badly, but that it felt different when you heard someone telling you their own story; then you can understand why people feel the need to leave.

We talked about how much we take feeling safe for granted. 15 kilometres later, we were glad to reach home and rest our weary legs. Most of all, we were grateful that we had a home to go to, and that that home was calm and safe.

Here’s what some of our other walkers had to say, having reflected on the stories they heard:

“It was lovely to hear that when the individuals were in a time of darkness, Upbeat became the light and gave them hope.”

“It was nice to hear that they found British people to be welcoming.”

“Although I have worked with refugees for a number of years, the audio really struck me as it taught me more about the people who I work with, their stories from back home and reminded me that we are all the same. We are all trying to live our best life and build the best life for our children. I feel so blessed that I've never had to endure any real hardship. The people I was walking for are so resilient, strong and determined.”

The Walk for Welcome will be an annual event for Upbeat Communities and our most sincere thanks to those who have taken part. The event has raised over £5,000 to help us continue with our work helping strangers become neighbours.

Vicki Offin — Head of Fundraising

Interested in fundraising for Upbeat Communities? We’d love to hear from you! Drop us an email, or head to upbeatcommunities.org/fundraise

Our First Ever Walk for Welcome!