Living in the contemporary society of global transformation, within a framework of politics, economics as well as cultural change, has resulted in a growing awareness of the complexity of worldwide human connections.
My interest in this complexity began at the very beginning of my education, and I have since been asking myself the question of how an estimated six billion people run their day-to-day lives.
There is no easy answer and many people have tried to theorise about and describe such socio-cultural relations.   I’ve consistently believed that the aim of shaping the world as a global village would blur inequality, whilst at the same time allow more sustainable and durable solutions for problems which are faced by many nations.   In retrospect, I am utterly convinced that my own personal vision is flawed.
Due to the impact of the media, as well as the legislation of the United Nation’s, various policies are shaped which indicate the issues of poverty and endeavour to overcome them.   However UN findings suggest that the gap between prosperous countries and poor ones has widened in the last ten years.
One such inequality is the access to clean water.   Living in the UK, and formerly in Poland, I still cannot comprehend how it is possible to die due to a lack of clean water, which is such a basic commodity in the 21st century.   It might seem to be a frivolous comment, but it is a severe and bitter truth.
Another incomprehensibility is the fact that in Kenya a litre of water costs up to 59shilling (0.74$), whereas in Nairobi petrol cost 55 shilling (0.69$) per litre.
As I immerse myself into the study of politics and international relations, I have realised that to make a change on global level might be an uphill task.   Nevertheless, it is vital to remember that the intrinsic aspect of any changes is that we can make them viable locally and regionally (if we want to).   My contribution is through working at Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support Council in Plymouth.
In my role at DCRSC I have learned a lot, and have seen the problems first hand that displaced people face on a day-to-day basis.   It is through these local interactions that I’ve been able to gain knowledge and a deeper understanding of people and political systems.   As a result of my experience here I would like to highlight the importance of such organisations as DCRSC.

Top Five Removal Destinations.

•Brazil	1,560
•Afghanistan	1,450
•India	1,315
•USA	755
•Pakistan	710

Of those leaving in Q1 2009:

• 7,695 persons were initially refused entry at port (7% fewer than in Q1 2008)

• 4,575 were enforced removals and notified voluntary departures (15 % fewer than in Q1 2008)

• 1,220 persons left under Assisted Voluntary Return Programmes (26% higher than in Q1 2008)

• and 2,345 were other voluntary departures (11% higher than in Q1 2008).

Persons Detained Solely Under Immigration Act Powers:  
A total of 2,460 persons were detained in the UK Border Agency estate, 7% higher than as at the end of March 2008 (2,305).

Removals Direct From IRCs:  

• Brook House	25
• Campsfield House	330
• Colnbrook Long Term	5
• Colnbrook Short Term	1245
• Dover	225
• Dover Harbour	160
• Dungavel	50
• Harmondsworth	245
• Harwich	10
• Haslar	35
• Lindholme	10
• Oakington	445
• Pennine House	140
• Tinsley House	510
• Yarl's Wood	600
• GRAND TOTAL	4,0351

Persons Leaving Detention:  

•A total of 4,035 people (held solely under Immigration Act powers) were removed from the UK upon leaving detention in Q1 2009, 8% higher than in Q1 2008 (3,740).

•Of these 1,635 (41% of the total) were asylum detainees, 5% lower than in Q1 2008 (1,730).

•110 children were removed from the UK upon leaving detention in Q1 2009, 33% lower than in Q1 2008 (160).

•Of the 4,035 people removed from the UK upon leaving detention in Q1 2009, 2,480 (62% of the total) left from UK Border Agency Removal Centres and 1,550 (38% of the total) left from UK Border Agency Short Term Holding Facilities.

¹  Of which 1,635 refused asylum.

What is it?

The Simple Acts campaign is about inspiring people to use small, everyday actions to change perceptions of refugees.   It consists of 20 actions that can be done by anyone and that encourage us to learn and do more with refugees. With every person who joins the campaign and does a small thing with and for refugees, we get a little closer to removing barriers between communities and to creating the kind of world we all want to live in.   We believe that by encouraging lots of people to do these simple, seemingly insignificant acts   –   read a book, tell a story or share a dish   –   we can begin to make lasting changes to the world around us.
It sounds simple   -   and it is!


What are the Actions?

1.Cook a dish from another country
2.Tell a child a story from another country
3.Watch a movie about refugees
4.Do a quiz on refugees
5.Say a little prayer for me
6.Read a book about exile
7.Sign off your email with a note about refugees
8.Learn five facts about refugees
9.Find out who you REALLY are
10.Visit a Refugee Week event
11.Smile
12.Learn to say a few things in a new language
13.Have tea with a refugee
14.Share a song 15.Join a big action campaign in support of refugees
16.Share your sweets
17.Give a book about refugees as a present to someone
18.Define the word “Refuge”
19.Take a picture of you and your pro-refugee banner
20.Play football with a refugee

How do these actions happen?

This campaign ultimately depends on all of us doing one small thing to help change the way we perceive refugees.   Here’s how:   Just take a look at the actions on our website.   Think about which ones you’d like to do (or already do everyday).   Do them.   Tell us that you’ve done them and (if you really want to push the boat out) tell someone else to do the same. It’s really simple.

Only female lifeguards will be on duty during these sessions and any windows looking into the pool will be covered.  This will enable women to swim at ease, confident that no men will be admitted or will be able to see them in the pool area.  Children under five will be allowed to go and join in the fun – with a ratio of one adult to two children.  The sessions will cost £2.70 per adult and children under five can swim for free.

Please add these dates to your diary:
Thursday,   11^th   June
Thursday,   9^th   July
August   –   No session due to School Holidays.

Free advice and information on all aspects of women’s health:
•   Free complimentary therapies.
•   Bra-fitting service by Sienna Lingerie.
•   Advice and information stalls.
•   Workshops.
•   Food and refreshments.
•   And... much, much more!