The Journey

Most people are very interested in finding out about people’s journeys to safety. This is of course a hugely important, yet traumatic experience and it isn’t our right to know it.

Another reason not to ask about people’s journey is that now it is a criminalised and punishable offence to use unauthorised routes. Safeguarding policies can mean that you have an obligation to report illegal activity. This would mean reporting a person’s criminalised entry and potentially having severe consequences such as detention and deportation.

Additionally, it can be hard to hear what people have gone through, so we can ask someone to stop telling us their story with respect and kindness. It can, however, be an incredible catalyst to challenge preconceptions and raise awareness. There are plenty of films, documentaries and books that explore the journey and give a much greater understanding to the audience without creating any further trauma by asking someone to tell you their story of how they arrived in the UK and why they left.