Community means different things to different people. For some of us, it means meeting up with friends in a particular place if we share a particular hobby, such as creative writing or being a member of a sports team. For others, it may be shared drinks in a regular place every week. However, for some, community means taking responsibility for the area in which they live, while at the same time creating a space for others to be part of. Meet Kurdish House Newcastle, a group of city clean-up volunteers who have brought these two ideas together.
How did Kurdish House Newcastle start?
Kurdish House Newcastle was established in April of this year and was the brainchild of four friends who wanted to make a difference to their local community. It is a registered charity whose aim is to take responsibility for the local environment by making sure it is clean and safe. Having funded themselves with litter pickers, bags and hi-vis jackets, the charity has a team of 97 volunteers who organise litter clean-ups in conjunction with the local council. At present, the group is active in the west end of Newcastle, but they also work in other areas such as Walker and Gateshead.
In addition to cleaning the local area, the group aims to help those who may be experiencing feelings of isolation by giving them a new community to be part of. This helps anyone who is displaced by giving them a sense of purpose and belonging, hence helping to minimise any loneliness they may be experiencing.
Anyone and everyone is welcome to participate
As well as having volunteers from Kurdistan, the group is keen to encourage local people and other nationalities of any age or gender to get involved with them. There is room for all in a shared community, and nobody will be turned away. In fact, the group is expanding with increasing numbers of people wanting to get involved. In addition to doing regular clean-ups, the group brings cakes and refreshments as a way of welcoming new people and adding to the community feel of the work they do. They aim to inspire the next generation by showing what positive results can be brought about when people come together.
At a time when the current narrative surrounding foreign nationals is not always pleasant and is often influenced by a political agenda, it is even more important to amplify the voices of those who are coming together in this way. A new place becomes home when we feel part of it. If home is where the heart is, these amazing volunteers are pouring their hearts and souls into looking after Newcastle, and they deserve nothing less than to be applauded for their efforts. They have received very positive feedback from the local community, which is helping to build further momentum for their work to expand even more. Well done Kurdish House Newcastle! Aferîn!
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