Thanet and Dover youth charity Pie Factory Music has launched a new film which celebrates Open Arms, its dedicated programme for unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people and refugees aged 13 to 21 years.
Open Arms began in June 2021 in response to the growing need to provide a safe, welcoming social space for young people arriving in East Kent. So far, the project has welcomed more than 70 young people from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, Iran, Kurdistan, Ukraine, Syria and other countries. The young people fled their homes seeking asylum in the UK.
Every week, people from different backgrounds support and befriend each other, bridging cultural differences in a celebration of diversity and unity. Together, they make music and art, play games, dance and cook, learn life skills and take part in science-inspired workshops at Pie’s Ramsgate youth centre.
In summer 2023, Pie celebrated the first anniversary of Open Arms and captured what this project means to both the young people and the team, showing how much has been gained from coming together through compassion, positivity, resilience, and community.
Pie’s Music & Creative Arts Project Manager Moa said: “We are so honoured to provide these young people with a space where they can feel safe and be joyful, experience a warm, non-judgemental welcome and have a regular place where they can start to settle into their new lives.
“The strength and resilience they have already shown in their young lives is truly inspiring. This programme demonstrates what we believe in at Pie – that every young person deserves respect, compassion, kindness and positive life experiences.
“We feel so privileged to spend time with our Open Arms group – it’s a programme that has had a profound effect on us all and is hugely rewarding. We hope people enjoy watching the film and join us in celebrating these young people.”
The Open Arms film was filmed and edited by George Hopkins and the programme is funded by NHS Kent and Medway.
Find out more at www.piefactorymusic.com/services-pie/open-arms
If you would like to support Pie’s important work, you can donate here.
Open Arms sessions
Every Friday, 5 – 7:30pm
Pie Factory Music, Ramsgate Youth Centre
High St, St Lawrence, Ramsgate, CT11 0QG
