A GROUP of asylum seekers visited Mold to undertake conservation work at Coed Gwern-rhiw. 

The project was in collaboration with other groups to clear invasive species, Rhododendron from Coed Gwern-rhiw; which saw not only some important enviromental work carried out, but a fantastic show of togetherness and community spirit. 

Hosted by members of the North Wales Wildlife Trust; members of Action Asylum Merseyside travelled to Mold to help out alongside members of social justice charity, Nacro who help men who have just been released from custody or on probation to get into volunteering and activities. 

Nacro was present as part of a joint venture alongside Wrexham's bail hostel and members from the Adferiad organisation who provide services for people in Wales with mental health problems, substance misuse problems, and those with co-occurring and complex needs.

Action Asylum is a group that seeks to connect asylum seekers with local communities through initiating activities and volunteering. 

Group members wasted no time in getting their hands dirty and were more than happy to get stuck in and help remove the overgrown Rhododendron on their visit yesterday (January 24).

The day was an opportunity for friendships to be made and the groups came away with a real feeling of accomplishment knowing that a positive impact has been made in the Mold community and its wildlife.

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Rory Goldring, project lead at Action Asylum Liverpool, said: "The moment we arrived, they're just itching to go. They're grabbing at the tools before we've even given them the brief, they just want to be doing stuff.

"That's because it's a nice place, it's a fun activity but people seeking asylum are constrained from all kinds of things; they're often moved to unfamiliar places, they're kept on a very limited budget of £40 a week, and they're not allowed to work, therefore unable to get involved with lots of things they like doing.

"To give them an opportunity like this, they're chomping at the bit as they want to be doing something.

"It's brilliant to be able to work with the North Wales Wildlife Trust to provide a positive opportunity for people to take hold of.

"It's all about community integration."

The Leader:

One Action Asylum member, said: "This is my third time here in North Wales doing wildlife conservation volunteering.

"Action Asylum is good, we get to join the group with different people from all around the world with different cultures. 

"I really enjoy it."

Another member added: "For me to come here, it's a pleasure to come from Liverpool to here to help people.

"To help people, for us, is a blessing.

"Being here, makes me feel like a valued member of the team. When I'm not here, I feel like I'm missing something."