Dover: Major workshop on Solidarity across the Channel

Southwark Justice and Peace, Westminster Justice and Peace Seeking Sanctuary, Association Maria Skobstova, Calais will be holding a day to discuss, reflect and exchange experience of working to improve our welcome for refugees and asylum seekers, at St Paul's RC Church, Maison Dieu Road, Dover CT16 1RU on Saturday, October 20th from 11am to 4pm. Arrival from 10.30am, buffet served 1pm.

The day includes a walk to pray at the memorial plaques on Dover sea front, remembering migrants who have died trying to reach the UK

The organisers say: "Calais has not disappeared: the Channel still presents special problems! We start journeying with these exiles in Northern France or Southern England after they have travelled for many months. We will hear from those working in France, who have experienced the 'Jungle' and smaller, later camps - the struggles to provide water, sanitation and temporary shelters. What happens to those dispersed to Centres of Welcome and Orientation ('CAOs')? They know about the actions of the French local authorities, police and government, and the campaigns for justice."

"Moving across the Channel, we pick up the story in Kent and elsewhere. What happens when someone arrives either illegally or legally? Who should they contact? How do they get decent representation? What are minors entitled to? What happens to adults? What is the future for trafficking victims? What is a detention centre and what happens there? What support is available once someone is permitted to stay? Social workers, volunteers and campaigners can tell us about migrants in the UK, and the effect of the UK government's 'hostile environment'. We will perhaps decide how to keep in closer touch with our partners on both sides of the Channel and how we can spread the word about the problems."

Details of the day

DISTANCES: Station to Church - 0.5 miles; Port Exit to Church - 0.7 miles (on foot) or 1.4 miles by car. We gather in the Church Hall, which is reached via a private roadway along the left-hand side of the church. Vehicle access is permitted to drop off passengers and goods, but parking is not allowed because the road provides access to neighbouring properties. Access within the building involves a few steps.

French/English and English/French translation will be provided.

GETTING THERE

BY CAR: There is a small car park behind the church, reached by continuing down the road, taking the first left turn, and then left again into Harold Road, where free parking spaces may be found. The nearest long-term car park (0.5 miles away by car via the one-way system), is Ladywell Car Park near the Town Hall ("Maison Dieu"). The post code is CT16 1DG and the pedestrian walk back to the church is just over 100 yards. Most Dover car parks accept Euro coins.

BY TRAIN - Check details with train operator near the date of travel.(Railcard holders get discounts and groups of three or more not using Railcards get a similar "GroupSave" discount)

High Speed Trains from St Pancras International (Calls at Stratford International and Ebbsfleet International.)09h09, arrives at Dover Priory at 10h33 - changing at Ashford International. Super Off-Peak Day Return - £32.90. 09h34, a direct service, arrives at Dover Priory at 10h41. Super Off-Peak Day Return - £32.90.Other Trains08h10 from Victoria, arrives at Dover Priory at 10h08. Super Off-Peak Day Return - £26.70.(Calls at various stations, including Bromley South and the Medway Towns.)08h40 from Charing Cross; arrives at Dover Priory at 10h33. Super Off-Peak Day Return - £26.70.(Calls at Waterloo East, London Bridge, and various other stations including Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Paddock Wood)

The 102 bus from the station to Pencester Road bus station (in the road opposite the church) is scheduled for 10h08 and 10h28; a 93 bus to nearby Priory St is scheduled for 10h48.

BY COACH - Check details near the date of travel. National Express from Victoria Coach Station. Departs 07h00, arrives 09h30 at Pencester Road bus station. Cheapest fare, £16.60. (Calls at various points in South London)

If you are coming please email: office@southwarkj&p.co.uk.