Ros Wynne-Jones pens the Real Britain column weekly in the Daily Mirror, advocating against government cutbacks and championing the cause of everyday individuals.
During the recent gathering of Labour supporters in Liverpool for their annual conference, our team traveled to Birkenhead via the Mersey to Future Yard, a cooperative venue driving local revitalization. Here, we screened a film from our ‘Island of Strangers’ series for the community involved in its creation.
The collaborative effort with Refugees Rock, a project initiated at a Liverpool climbing wall offering free sessions to asylum seekers, has been a moving experience for us. Amidst hostility towards asylum hotels and refugee services, the camaraderie and compassion at the Climbing Hangar, where refugees are paired with ‘Boulder Buddies,’ are a beacon of hope.
The recent attack on the Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur, a significant day in the Jewish calendar, is a stark reminder of the need for unity in the face of division. Such acts threaten the harmonious coexistence of diverse communities in multi-faith areas like Manchester.
Labour MP Graham Stringer condemned the attack as a bid to undermine the city’s tolerance and interfaith relations, reflecting the challenges faced in areas like Southport and Knowsley. However, amidst the adversity, stories of solidarity emerge, as seen in the support for Asylum Link Merseyside in Toxteth.
Manchester’s resilience in the aftermath of past tragedies exemplifies the power of unity in diversity. In times of crisis, communities come together, defying attempts to sow discord. The call for cohesive and inclusive societies echoes across cities like Manchester and Liverpool, emphasizing the strength found in togetherness.
The ‘Island of Strangers’ series aims to highlight positive community initiatives, showcasing the resilience and compassion present in our society. Through the lens of climbing, the films symbolize the collective effort needed to overcome challenges and divisions, mirroring the real-life struggles faced by individuals like Sev and Ali.
As the films are released on our Mirror Originals YouTube channel every Friday, we hope they serve as guiding lights for communities navigating through adversity. The Liverpool film is now available for viewing, offering a glimpse into the stories of hope and unity in challenging times.