NORTHERN STUDENTS TO SHOWCASE WORK IN SUPPORT OF REFUGEE ACTION YORK

On January 29, the University of York's Central Hall will be hosting a charity fashion show featuring the designs of young people from a number of regional colleges and universities. The Northern Youth Fashion Show, in aid of two refugee charities, will be attended by Katharine Viner, Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian and Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue and Artistic Director of Conde Nast. The event has been has been organised by HARD Magazine, a fashion publication at the University of York, and will not only showcase the designs of students from universities across the region, but will also raise vital funds to support refugees.

BAFTA-winning film director Adam Curtis is collaborating with the students creative directors to produce the show.

Proceeds from The Northern Youth Fashion Show will be split between the Xavier Project and Refugee Action York, which plays a pivotal role in integrating refugees in the local area. 'We wanted to host an event that would highlight the creative talent of students and support the community by fundraising for local charities', said Ellie Wintour, one of the event organisers, 'It's fantastic to have Anna and Katharine on board to help make it a success. We are pleased with the positive response we've had so far. It's going to be a night to remember.'  The event is being sponsored by train company Grand Central.

We'll post more news and information in the lead up to this amazing event.

For further information about the event and tickets visit - http://www.yusu.org/whats-on/event/65950

York says Refugees Welcome Here

There have been a number of very negative comments in the York Press, following an article about York's plans to accept 60 Syrians. Sally Bourton, Chair of RAY's Board of Trustees has written to the York Press

'Refugee Action York (RAY) has been supporting children, young people and families who are asylum seekers and refugees in York since 2002. We are proud to be part of the 'York says Refugees Welcome Here' group, and of the planning led by the City of York Council, working with other organisations, Faith Groups and individuals, to welcome the small number of Syrian families who will come to York.  RAY has been overwhelmed by the generosity of many, who have supported us through fundraising and volunteering.

The events in Paris were terrible, beyond words. They have led to many negative comments about refugees, Syrians and York's intentions to welcome a small number of Syrian families. Part of ISIS tactics is to create fear.  Syrians are fleeing the total destruction of their homes, their families, their whole lives and they too are also victims of ISIS.   We must not let the fear arising from the appalling attacks in Paris prevent us from doing what York has always done well - which is, to be an open, welcoming city.  We need to continue  to demonstrate our welcome and support asylum seekers and refugees from whichever country they come.'

A celebration of 25 years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child

To celebrate 25 years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, a series of arts and edcuation events will run across the City of York.  Art work created by children and young people who use RAY's services will be displayed as part of the project.  Our thanks go to voluteers from York Saint John University and the University of York who enabled this to happen. For more information about the events please follow this link.

Arts Session at 4Corners

After their very successful visits to The Hub, students from York Saint John's University and the University of York, ran an arts session with young people at 4Corners to celebrate 25 years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.  The work created by the young people will be displayed in York as part of the on going celebrations.

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Art Sessions at The Hub

Our children and young people had a great art session at The Hub today on the 25th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child led by students from York Saint John and the University of York. The children and young people had a fantastic time and produced some outstanding paintings for display! We have found out about some real artists among our young people today.  We are looking forward to the students coming back to complete the project and to them working with our young people at 4Corners.

Our favourite food!