I was born in Eastbourne and grew up in neighbouring Seaford until I was 9 when we moved to the country.  Although I have studied, lived and worked in other places, I was drawn back to Eastbourne and it has been a wonderful place in which to raise my three children.  How fortunate I feel to live near the sea and the South Downs in a place I can truly call my earthly home.

However, millions of people across the globe do not have the luxury of a safe place to call home and have to flee their homeland in the face of war, violence, conflict or persecution.  The journey to seek sanctuary is not an easy one and for many, it ends in tragedy. 

One of the most vulnerable groups of displaced people is the young, often travelling alone in highly traumatic situations.  

My son, James, works in Eastbourne at the Enthum Foundation which provides safe and sustainable homes for unaccompanied children aged 16-18 who are seeking asylum in the UK. Enthum works to give therapeutic support that empowers young people’s choices and fosters an environment that celebrates the young peoples’ strengths and resilience. If ready, they are helped to begin to process the trauma of why they left their country and the journey that followed. Enthum is staffed 24/7 and carries the moto: Enthum House – We are Family.

It would be wonderful if you could support me on my 'journey' to raise money for such a wonderful local cause.  Thank you so much.

Jane