Refugee Resource Family Day
Project at a glance
Area of focus
The Refugee Resource Family Day at Blenheim Palace was a second collaboration with Refugee Resource, specifically as part of their ‘Healing in the Outdoors’ programme during the summer break to allow for children to participate. The Refugee Resource participants come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, having had to leave their countries for various reasons.
Objectives
The intent was to offer ‘green prescribing’ time in nature, while also broadening participants’ horizons by providing access to a new location they might not otherwise go to. This involved exploring nature around the palace grounds and taking advantage of related facilities for the day.
The group of 15 guests arrived at 11:30am and, after a brief welcome, had a picnic lunch overlooking the formal gardens. We then split into two groups – a group mainly comprised of men did a 2 mile walk around the grounds with the Cotswold Wardens, and a ‘family group’ of mothers and children originally planned to explore the grounds close to the palace. Due to the hot weather, the latter group changed plan and cooled off at the water park.
Outcomes
“Learning about the culture and the people – it made me feel better and happy.”
Male, age 27
“Enjoyed every minute – the time with my kids.”
Female, age 31
Project highlights
- With genuine motivation, differences melt away and bonds are forged. Mutual respect grew through the day.
- Paul, our Blenheim Palace guide, was willing to find alternative activities when it became clear the children were overheating.
- The Cotswold Wardens provided a well-prepared guided walk.
Lessons learnt
- Multicultural groups like this are unique and every event is different.
- Challenges arise unexpectedly and it is vital that organisers are friendly, flexible, genuine, and willing to adapt.
- Following ‘the plan’ is less important than our guests enjoying the experience.
- Continuity of staff is also important to maintain the relationship and grow it over time.
- There was a high attrition rate outside of our control.
Future plans
Building and maintaining relationships with these groups requires time and trust. We have built a reputation of creating interesting, enjoyable, friendly, bespoke events. Funding and capacity are key.
Funding
Total cost: £1,000* (session cost)
Funded by Thames Water.
*This estimate does not take into account the substantial amount of time that our partners at Cotwolds National Landscape put into building relationships with partners and stakeholders to enable successful session delivery.