A total of 284 people enjoyed a wonderful day on Exmouth Beach last weekend, as Bridges undertook its annual trip to see the sea. It was pure joy watching the families have fun playing in the sand, splashing in the sea, sharing homecooked food in large groups, and enjoying the fresh sea air!
Many thanks to the volunteers who came with us and helped make sure things ran smoothly, and also to the organisations and individuals who helped to fund the trip - we couldn't have done it without you!
Here's what one of the participants, Wafa, - who only arrived in Bristol a few weeks ago - had to say about the trip:
" I will most remember seeing different cultures having fun on the beach, enjoying time with their kids and chatting together. I really enjoyed the bus trip, seeing the green countryside, the sea view and the beautiful weather.
A trip like this is important because it helps people from different cultures to engage together, accept each other’s differences, and see that wherever we are we can treat each other with dignity. For example, a British girl enjoying the sun with very little clothes on, and a Muslim lady with a swimsuit that covers everything including her hair also enjoying the beach.
It’s great that people new to Bristol, like my family, can meet others who have been in Bristol longer and they can help to answer my questions about study, work, life in Bristol etc…It helps to see there are other refugees in Bristol who have adapted their lives and are having fun and getting to know each other.
Next time it would be great to have some more some sun-shades for shelter, and maybe make a video to help people understand the trip."