London: summer hostel prepares to welcome guests

LONDON - first posted 17 July 2002 - 222 words

Volunteers are arriving in north London to transform a parish hall into an international youth hostel for the summer.

The Pax Christi hostel in Kentish Town, opens this Sunday, 28 July. Offering bed and breakfast accommodation and meals, it will also run parties and a number of optional justice and peace activities.

Hostel co-ordinator Simona Vari told ICN: "The aim of the project is threefold: to provide affordable accommodation for people travelling in London; to bring young people from different countries together in a valuable volunteer experience, and to raise awareness of peace and justice issues."

She said: "Each year there is a different theme. This year, the theme is 'Gods of metal: can violence be a path to peace?'. Volunteers and guests will explore the theme through talks, discussion, workshops, film and any other activities. I believe it is a witness to the fact that people still believe in a just world, and that there are volunteer opportunities out there waiting to broaden our horizons."

The hostel is based in the parish hall of Our Lady Help of Christians, Falkland Road, NW5. It costs £12 a night. For more information or bookings, contact Pax Christi on tel: (+44) 020 8203 4884 e-mail: paxchristi@gn.apc.org

You can also visit their website to book on line: www.paxchristi.org.uk