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Newspaper Database

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This newspaper database was created to;

  • document local newspaper articles about migrant experiences
  • present local newspaper articles about migrant experiences in a more accessible and searchable manner
  • counterbalance negative media rhetoric of migration, through highlighting positive stories of migration or sentiment to migration, at a local level.

It was created by volunteers who took part in Online Archive Research training. The training was opened to the wider community in each area to learn how to use online research tools to gather local newspaper stories. 

They then collected local newspaper stories following a specific criterion. 

The newspaper stories had to;

  • be about positive contributions made by the migrant community in the specific local area.
  • have positive sentiments shown towards the migrant community.
  • be in the last 10 years, between 2012 – 2022/3
  • counterbalance negative media portrayals of migration. This could include (but not limited to):

a. Details of positive contributions migrant communities have made to their local area.

b. Positive sentiments to migration from local area sources.

c. Direct lived experiences of migrant communities that have been shared to advocate/highlight experiences (even if the experiences themselves are negative)

 

the findings created the content for our Archive Research database. 

Primary tabs

  • Newspaper Database
  • Adult Content

Bishop of Durham Paul Butler's thoughts on refugees at Christmas

Short summary
At this time of year, many of us will be enjoying spending precious time with our families. For that reason, it can be a particularly hard time for those who are missing their loved ones.
Archive Link
https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/23216519.bishop-durham-paul-butlers-thoughts-refugees-christmas/

Feeding Britain: How cooking together helps smash anti-migrant sentiment

Short summary
Jess Thompson, founder of Migrateful, a UK charity with a mission to support
migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in their journey towards integration,
explains how food and cooking can help bridge divisions between communities.
Archive Link
https://inews.co.uk/opinion/feeding-britain-how-cooking-together-helps-smash-anti-migrant-sentiment-2045420

"I've seen for myself the benefits migrants and asylum seekers bring to our city"

Short summary
The journalist explores their own opinions on what 'migrant' brings to the UK on International Migrants Day. They explore the language used to refer to people travelling to the UK and the situational differences and specifics. It's a really thorough exploration of his own personal experience working as an immigration advisor and the statistical facts both of which counteract the stereotypical negative portayal of migrants in right wing press.
Archive Link
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/news-opinion/ive-seen-myself-benefits-migrants-25759139

"Activist has fought for progressive change in every country they’ve lived in"

Short summary
The article speaks about Marzena a Queer Polish activist who has lived in many countries across the world and maintained their fight for progressive change along the way.
Archive Link
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/activist-fought-progressive-change-every-25763101

"Polish director's first feature film screened in Liverpool"

Short summary
The article speaks about a screening event in Liverpool including the film of Polish director Aga Woszczynska. It explains the themes of the film as being power, priviledge and denial between people of different migration status and socio-economic class. It also mentions a Q&A which took place at the event which included the director and panelists from merseyside with experience of leadership and activism within local orgs - topics discussed included racism, discrimination and migrants rights. The premise of the event was to open up discussions between local people on how they can uproot racism and class injustices in liverpool. The article also promotes a follow up event with similar agenda of using film to prompt discussion for change.
Archive Link
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/polish-directors-first-feature-film-25342549

‘I miss my hometown, my friend – and my mum’s delicious food’: the cookbook made by refugees

Short summary
A sense of community is created by young refugee authors from Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Chad, who recreate their favourite meals from home and share them with the local community in theor cook book 'cooked with love'.“It’s like a window into the young people’s worlds Not just the trauma they’ve been through, their positive memories and the things they love and miss about home too.”

Refugees enjoy day at the seaside in Morecambe thanks to Bentham community rail group train trip

Short summary
Group of refugees given the opportunity to travel from Bradford to Morecambe to experience a different part of the UK
Archive Link
https://www.lancasterguardian.co.uk/news/people/refugees-enjoy-day-at-the-seaside-in-morecambe-thanks-to-bentham-community-rail-group-train-trip-3837934

Leeds charity to help hundreds of refugees get online with free tablet lending scheme

Short summary
Refugee charity Leeds refugee forum acquires a £400,000 funding from environmental charity Hubbub and Virgin Media's O2 tech lending community fund, to provide tablets and data to refugees, to help develop new skills, integrate and tackle digital isolation and e-waste.

Morecambe firm donates laptops to help Ukrainian refugees stay in touch with loved ones at home

Short summary
A Morecambe firm has answered a call to help Ukrainian refugees currently staying in North Lancashire to work and to keep in touch with families at home.
Archive Link
https://www.lancasterguardian.co.uk/business/morecambe-firm-donates-laptops-to-help-ukrainian-refugees-stay-in-touch-with-loved-ones-at-home-3791867

They're living beings': The community centre changing the lives of Teesside's refugees

Short summary
A community centre has been changing the lives of refugees through music, conversation and cooking.
Archive Link
https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/theyre-living-beings-community-centre-24622982

New community kitchen project launching at Kanteena Lancaster

Short summary
Project set up to support Lancashire Refugees and Asylum Seekers to run cookery classes and events for the general public to attend
Archive Link
https://www.lancasterguardian.co.uk/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/new-community-kitchen-project-launching-at-kanteena-lancaster-3783295

Phone appeal aims to help people seeking asylum in Lancaster

Short summary
A Lancaster resident is appealing for help with buying mobile phones to help people seeking asylum who arrive in the district
Archive Link
https://www.lancasterguardian.co.uk/news/people/phone-appeal-aims-to-help-people-seeking-asylum-in-lancaster-3727723

Lancashire has now welcomed hundreds of refugees through the Homes for Ukraine scheme

Short summary
895 Ukranian refugees matched with Lancashire sponsors as part of governments Homes for Ukraine Scheme
Archive Link
https://www.lancasterguardian.co.uk/news/defence/lancashire-has-now-welcomed-hundreds-of-refugees-through-the-homes-for-ukraine-scheme-3718097

Lancaster opens first shop where everything is free

Short summary
Drop in and pick up centre for donations of clothes, toys and toiletries for recently arrived Ukrainian families new to Lancaster and district set up in city centre
Archive Link
https://www.lancasterguardian.co.uk/news/people/lancaster-opens-first-shop-where-everything-is-free-3699007

Charity launches poster project to highlight loneliness of migrants

Short summary
A charity has created a “missing poster” campaign to highlight the loneliness felt by male migrants, as crossings continue to the UK.
Archive Link
https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/20147730.charity-launches-poster-project-highlight-loneliness-migrants/

More Ukrainian refugees have found a home in Lancaster and Morecambe than anywhere in Lancashire

Lancaster refugees and asylum seekers explore Silverdale nature reserve

Short summary
Local charity provides art in nature workshops for refugees
Archive Link
https://www.lancasterguardian.co.uk/lifestyle/outdoors/lancaster-refugees-and-asylum-seekers-explore-silverdale-nature-reserve-3647159

Council leaders say Lancashire is ready to give Ukrainian refugees ‘a proper, dignified welcome'

Short summary
Cross party statement welcomes refugees to the North West
Archive Link
https://www.lancasterguardian.co.uk/news/politics/council-leaders-say-lancashire-is-ready-to-give-ukrainian-refugees-a-proper-dignified-welcome-3612680

The heartbreak inspiring Hartlepool people to work around the clock to gather supplies for Ukrainians

Short summary
The generosity of everyone in the town has been 'overwhelming' say organisers
Archive Link
https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/heartbreak-inspiring-hartlepool-people-work-23351507

This is the reason 800 people have moved out of Hong Kong to live in Trafford

Short summary
Trafford council, led by its inclusive economy and communities team, hosted an event to offer information, advice and support to our new residents
Archive Link
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/reason-800-people-moved-out-22261733

Little Amal: 3.5 metre puppet of migrant girl passes through Yorkshire

Short summary
A puppet called Amal, Arabic for 'hope', brings together local creatives, artists and communities as it travels around yorkshire. It symbolises tens of thousands of displaced refugee children in need of assistance to rebuild their lives after leaving their war-torn countries and, being made by 17 international puppeteers, shows a sense of global community.

"Poignant reminders of how Irish refugees fleeing from starvation poured into Liverpool"

Short summary
The article talks about the impact the 'Irish Potato Famine' had on the population of Liverpool - stating around 1.3 million irish people passed through the port of Liverpool between 1845 and 1852. It lists statistics relating to the number of people who settled in Liverpool along with numbers of people who died as a result of poor living conditions they endured. It also mentions a heritage trail of plaquards commemorating the significance of the humanitarian crisis that occured during this time - something which not many people realise exists (aswell as the annual irish festival held in the city each year).
Archive Link
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/poignant-reminders-how-irish-refugees-21990548

The inclusive campaign inspiring Greater Manchester residents to 'keep moving' no matter their age, ability, gender

Short summary
The article gave detailed introduction to why people need to keep active and reported that there are differences between different ethnic groups, age groups and genders. Naila a councillor born in Pakistan said she had to change her how she kept active when she came to this country due to the weather. She wants to advocate for people from her community especially the women as they tend to look after the family and not look after themselves. Ayo is the founder of Global Vision Initiative - a charity organisation focused on empowering disadvantaged black, Asian and minority ethnic communities through social activities, events, employability, social sports and music projects. A lot of inactivity in ethnic minority groups is due to lack of inclusive social opportunities, culturally appropriate activities and awareness of ways to keep moving. Starring Naila, Ayo and other people from six of the 10 Greater Manchester boroughs, the Keep Moving campaign encourages everyone across the region to become more active, no matter who you are, your background or your struggles.
Archive Link
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/special-features/inclusive-campaign-inspiring-greater-manchester-21448350

Pioneering diversity champions tackling inequalities in maternity across Morecambe Bay

Short summary
Gathering information from adults moving to the area when English is not first language and their experience of maternity services
Archive Link
https://www.lancasterguardian.co.uk/health/pioneering-diversity-champions-tackling-inequalities-in-maternity-across-morecambe-bay-3375735

Home Office data shows Middlsbrough's support for asylum seekers after mayor's 'levelling up' call

Short summary
The Home Office data shows the council supports more asylum seekers, as a proportion of its population, than anywhere else in the country
Archive Link
https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/home-office-data-shows-middlsbroughs-21384062

Middlesbrough will stand tall': Mayor's pledge to offer sanctuary to Afghan refugees

Short summary
Andy Preston added that Middlesbrough would welcome those who have been ‘persecuted, terrorised and abused’
Archive Link
https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/middlesbrough-stand-tall-mayors-pledge-21346478

Dance your way to happiness in the heart of Manchester

Short summary
It follows Damian's own emotional experience of social exclusion in his native Poland and a difficult year for his customers in lockdown - and he is dedicated to nurturing an inclusive culture at his studio where he is promoting the benefits of dance for mental health.Dancing gives people a chance to escape from their own heads, I wanted to create a space where I was able to make everyone feel as welcome as Manchester made me feel.
Archive Link
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/special-features/dance-your-way-happiness-heart-20892489

Lancaster and Morecambe mark Refugee Week with arts and heritage events

Short summary
Local events organised to celebrate refugee week
Archive Link
https://www.lancasterguardian.co.uk/news/people/lancaster-and-morecambe-mark-refugee-week-with-arts-and-heritage-events-3276259

Refugee who works on NHS frontline in Leeds hits out at Priti Patel’s immigration plans

Short summary
An NHS worker who has spent the pandemic helping save lives on a Covid-19 ward says Priti Patel’s immigration plans will see refugees like her turned away from the UK.
Archive Link
https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/health/refugee-who-works-on-nhs-frontline-in-leeds-hits-out-at-priti-patels-immigration-plans-3256283

How two brothers built a pharmaceutical empire from Bolton 'Anwer and Yakub Patel made millions with their chain of chemists

Short summary
2 brothers Anwer and Yakub came to Bolton as chidren and started their shop in 1979 the 2 brothers one a pharmacist and the other an accountant worked together to develop their business and by 2005 they sold 111 chemists to Lloyds Pharmacy keeping back 30. In 2009, the University of Bolton awarded both Anwer and Yakub with the honorary titles of Doctor of the University, in recognition of their "oustanding contribution to the Bolton community". £20 million transformed the school into an Academy with both brothers acting as Trustees. The 2 brothers also ran a pharmeutical company and are regarded as the most successful entrepreneurs in the borough
Archive Link
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/how-two-brothers-built-pharmaceutical-20504215

The Syrian refugee attempting a beatboxing world record in aid of Manchester venue 'struggling' through the pandemic

Short summary
beatboxing at TriBeCa has helped him get through depression and grief and he now wants to give back to the venue when I moved to the UK, I saw buskers doing it and it interested me. Beatboxing became a full-time job, hosting open mic events and DJ nights, teaching beatboxing to other refugees and visiting schools to teach students in schools. During the pandemic, he continued hosting the Open Mic events online
Archive Link
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/syrian-refugee-attempting-beatboxing-world-20118463

The incredible story of the North Korean defector running to be a councillor in Bury

Short summary
Her story involves family separation, torture and slavery, before she eventually found safety and happiness in the UK. The 52-year-old mother-of-three is running to be a councillor in her adopted hometown of Bury and says she wants to 'give back' to the country which welcomed her in her hour of need. Mrs Park's new life was not without challenges, and she faced difficulties with housing and the language barrier. But she embraced her new home and later found work as a human rights activist.
Archive Link
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/incredible-story-north-korean-defector-19697743

Nahla was someone who made things happen and made a difference' - tributes after inspirational community worker and activist dies from Covid-19

Short summary
Nahla Eljack 'spent her career helping others' and championed the rights of migrant women. Tributes are being paid to an inspirational community worker who dedicated her life and career to helping others, after her tragic death. She was also heavily involved in the creation of the Manchester Refugee Charter, which has been endorsed by more than 100 individuals and organisations including the council, Nahla held a masters degree in environmental studies and her dedication to people and the environment was a consistent theme in her life. She was known for her sense of humour and infectious laugh, her passion for charitable and environmental causes, and her dedication to her family.
Archive Link
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/tributes-to-community-champion-chorlton-19679665

Migrants have helped shape our beloved Leeds for 200 years - let's celebrate that fact

Short summary
A Council led summit to celebrate what migration has brought to the city and discuss future plans. Quotes from Council on the benefits of migration, and a Syrian explains her experience
Archive Link
https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/politics/migrants-have-helped-shape-our-beloved-leeds-for-200-years-lets-celebrate-that-fact-593772

Help for Asylum Seekers and Refugees in South Leeds

Short summary
It describes a new welcome scheme in South Leeds to help newcomers settle in, use services and learn English
Archive Link
https://southleedslife.com/help-asylum-seekers-refugees-south-leeds/

Project will link you up with your Holbeck neighbours

Short summary
It describes a scheme whereby neighbours can get together and share information to use the area better.
Archive Link
https://southleedslife.com/project-will-link-holbeck-neighbours/

Zayn Malik speaks of his love of Bradford in Vogue feature

Short summary
The One Direction star includes the multiculturalism of Bradford as a factor in his love of the city
Archive Link
https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/15652394.zayn-malik-speaks-of-his-love-of-bradford-in-vogue-feature/

40 Years of the Aagrah restaurant chain

Short summary
A photo gallery of the restaurants, started by Mohammad Sabir, a Kashmiri originally working as a bus driver
Archive Link
https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/15640624.gallery-looking-back-at-40-years-of-the-bradford-based-aagrah-kashmiri-restaurant-chain/

The Manchester allotment where refugees and asylum seekers are growing vegetables together

Short summary
Émilie is 52 years old and get away from Gango and she is one of the many people who look after the allotment at Growing Together Levenshulme.
Joy, 54, and Edwina, 63, were forced to flee their homes in the run up to a brutal election in Zimbabwe because of their support for the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC),The allotment was founded around eight years ago, originally set up as a community gardening project, it to be a vegan and organic garden. A few years later, we began working with Revive, a Manchester based charity that supports refugees and asylum seekers."The garden provides a safe space where people can take part in activities they enjoy, and helps provide structure and routine in lives that are often full of change.""At the moment they're just looking for funding to secure the long term future of the garden so it can continue to benefit asylum seekers and refugees for years to come."
Archive Link
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/growing-together-levenshulme-allotment-refugees-13422367

Leeds's first Indian takeaway closes after 43 years

Short summary
Indian immigrant Ram Murthi Thukral had run Bobby's Sweet Centre on Roundhay Road for 43 years.
Archive Link
https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/education/pupil-who-fled-syria-recognised-for-bravery-1778333

Exhibition aims to give refugees a voice

Short summary
A photographic exhibition featuring pictures of refugees who have made new homes in Lancaster is currently on display in Lancaster library.
Archive Link
https://www.lancasterguardian.co.uk/news/exhibition-aims-to-give-refugees-a-voice-654536

No one can say poetry is irrelevant ever again' - How Tony Walsh's poem came to symbolise our city’s defiance

Short summary
Tony Walsh, whose powerful love letter to the city 'This is the Place' has been heard around the world, talks about how he found the words we all needed
Archive Link
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/tony-walsh-poet-manchester-place-13285063

Jennie's quirky film explains immigration with school kids' interviews and ‘fuzzy felt’ explainers

Short summary
Jennie Henry came back to her hometown of Middlesbrough to film the emotive documentary explaining the refugee crisis to children

Multi faith Big Lunch marks start of Ramadan

Short summary
An event at the Hamara centre to bring communities together over food.

Making a meal out of a play: Leeds restaurant will host production

Short summary
A Chinese restaurant hosts a play about the positive impact of Chinese immigration

Pupil who fled Syria recognised for bravery

Short summary
Mohamad Khalil, Leeds City Academy pupil, wins three bravery awards. He was shot when at school in Syria.
Archive Link
https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/education/pupil-who-fled-syria-recognised-for-bravery-1778333

Good craic in store for St Patrick's Day

Short summary
It describes the St Patricks Day celebrations in Leeds. It celebrates the thriving community of 16,000 Irish in Leeds.
Archive Link
https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/good-craic-in-store-for-st-patricks-day-603088

Date of publication

  • 2023 (6)
  • 2020 (7)
  • 2019 (8)
  • 2018 (9)
  • 2016 (20)
  • 2015 (1)
  • 2014 (2)
  • 2013 (3)
  • (-) 2022 (19)
  • (-) 2021 (14)
  • (-) 2017 (14)

City

  • Leeds (14)
  • Lancaster (12)
  • Manchester (9)
  • Middlesbrough (8)
  • Liverpool (4)

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