Gangs and refugees
Apologies. This is late. We’re back in London after a whirlwind, whistle-stop tour of Scotland and some bits of northern England. The last two days were mostly spent in the car straining to focus on the road ahead through heavy rain. But we’re back now and what a trip it was!
I wanted to write about Scotland, but in order to do that I had to come home first.
In Glasgow I interviewed a group of former gang members and on the Isle of Bute I spoke to a couple of Syrian refugees who had settled in the small community.
At first there doesn’t seem to be much of a link between the two stories – but there is one of course. Coming home I realised both deal with people who have escaped difficulties and darkness and found a new way to live.
The former gang members in Glasgow had found community and a belief structure in the 12-step program. They spoke about how they’d joined a new type of gang, a gang with a positive outlook and aim. They also spoke about about being humble, about being grateful, about trying to do the best you can for others.
The Syrians I spoke to on Bute found a way forward through hard work. They started businesses, successful businesses, and dedicated themselves to those. They spoke English well, they wanted to grow, expand, further themselves. There was a future – even in a small and slowly depopulating former holiday resort.
I have pages and pages in my notebook to go through, it will take some time but I hope I will do their stories justice.