South London Photographer: Images and video from Dunkirk

Last week I travelled to Dunkirk with Just Shelter as they delivered donations to various charities based in Northern France. One of the things Just Shelter aims to do is bring some light relief to refugees, whatever their age. On this recent visit, they were joined by Wandsworth-based musician Jake Rodrigues and artist/art teacher Emily Gopaul as well as another teacher, Rosie Gowers. Children temporarily living in a sports hall during the winter months (after pressure was put on on authorities due to extremely low temperatures) had so much fun and then afterwards Jake refereed a football match as only he could. The sports hall, albeit far from ideal, at least keeps people dry and warm but is due to close very soon. As always, thanks to all the people who shared their stories with us.

Click on the 4-minute video below to get a sense of the sort of activities Just Shelter organises or view the photo-essay below. If anyone local to Just Shelter feels they have something practical and positive to offer do get in touch with them for more information or follow them on Facebook. 

Images (c)SJField 2018

 

 

 

A warehouse in Dunkirk

There is a field behind a large shopping complex which separates two completely different worlds; commercial on one hand and untenable living conditions on the other

Just Shelter volunteers

Relatively few people are able to sleep in the sports hall  – there are reminders that many people don’t get to sleep beneath a roof all around the outside of the hall

Jake prepares to referee a football match

I am reminded of my own children constantly

I am shown a card by someone who had been living in the UK but was deported.

This wood has been cleared of tents – when I first visited this site it was full of people. They have been moved on constantly and have had to find other patches of land

There are signs everywhere of the people who used to live here. Often the police simply cut tents down and these remnants are on many trees.

A dried out posy

As we leave I wonder how many young people will be getting ready to risk their lives as they attempt to cross the channel in the dark.

 

 

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