The Cotton Tree isn’t just an organisation; it’s a community. Organisations provide services and so do we, but the Cotton Tree was founded on a commitment to ‘relaxed time’ in which we could meet our members informally without being slaves to a clock. We help them legally and practically, securing accommodation, leave to remain etc, and for this we have a loose appointment system and fill in many forms. But from the outset, we felt that our members’ most urgent need was a kind of friendship, and it is from here that our work flows.
Would you like to become a Friend of the Cotton Tree?
Most of our members endure conditions that no human being should have to endure: extreme poverty, social humiliation, lengthy periods of waiting without the rights to study or work. They have horrific memories that will never fade, and many have been re-traumatised by their experiences in the UK.
It isn’t always easy to resist bureaucratic pressures to dehumanise asylum seekers and refugees, but this is what we are committed to doing. We respect the law and ensure that our practices are sound, but we also treat our members as ‘friends’.
This is an interesting, rewarding and sometimes complex role. We are inviting you to join our Friendship group.
As a Friend, you may want to spread the word and encourage people to follow us (and speak well of us!) on social media. You may want to help us think about thorny issues, for example, what is fair or reasonable in a particular situation. You may want to engage with broader immigration issues or donate clothes, toys, food, books, funds. This invitation comes with no particular expectations, especially financial ones. There are many ways to befriend us.
We hope you will join us for a party or trip from time to time and read our occasional newsletters. We welcome suggestions for improvement. Above all, we want to assure you that we won’t bombard you digitally or expect anything at all beyond what you choose to give.
We call our members ‘friends’ and we have been gratified to see that they also describe the Cotton Tree community as a ‘family’. One member recently welcomed another with this sweet Whatsapp message:
Welcome... I am the weathergirl in this family. Tomorrow is raining all day. Don’t forget your umbrella please.
The word ‘family’ comes up often and we talk openly about what it means, as well as what it doesn’t mean. We hope that you will become part of our extended quote-unquote family!
If you would like to join us or ask any questions, please contact ruth@cottontreetrust.org.uk
Warmest wishes!
Artwork from a Cotton Tree asylum seeker