A monthly bouldering session that brings refugees and local climbers together at The Climbing Hangar's Liverpool walls is featured in a new video series by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the UN Refugee Agency.

Liverpool's climbing community has come together to provide an innovative space for refugees and asylum-seekers to access the physical and mental health benefits of bouldering, while meeting friendly faces and forming lasting friendships.

"It's not about where you come from, or who you are. It's not a political place, you know, at climbing you just make friends," says Amir, a person seeking asylum who arrived in the UK in October 2022 and now a regular Refugees Rock attendee.

This show of solidarity has been possible through the efforts of keen climbers working at the British Red Cross and Action Asylum locally, with support from The Climbing Hangar, who offer free membership to refugees and asylum-seekers after they join three sessions, removing the financial barrier which can often exclude them from sports like bouldering.

Participants in the sessions are known as Boulder Buddies. Amir - featured in the film - said that his Boulder Buddy Olivia helped him to get over his nerves on his first visit and to learn the skills and the language of bouldering.

Olivia shared her motivation to volunteer when interviewed for the series, telling UNHCR: "It's hard to imagine how difficult it must be for someone who has come here, whatever their background, who doesn't know anybody in the city, doesn't have any connections. One of the best things about this club is the emphasis on well-being and community. It's just something really positive to be involved in." 

The social element and the mental health benefits of bouldering are widely acknowledged and were a motivating factor for the organisers.

Helene, who works for the British Red Cross, said that the benefits she had experienced herself were things she wanted to share with the asylum-seekers and refugees she supports through her work. "Everyone who is a Boulder Buddy loves climbing, the staff love climbing, so that passion goes back into the refugee community."  

Refugees Rock is a monthly session organised by British Red Cross, Action Asylum and The Climbing Hangar. After attending three sessions, refugees and asylum seekers are given free membership to Liverpool's two Climbing Hangar centres, giving them the opportunity to climb independently.

'A Great British Welcome'

A Great British Welcome is a new series by UNHCR and Panos Pictures, with portrait photos by award winning photographer Andrew Testa, accompanied by testimonies from refugees.

"The stories in this exhibition are truly inspiring," says Vicky Tennant, UNHCR Representative to the UK. "People across the UK have generously welcomed refugees and asylum-seekers and are helping them to rebuild their lives in a new home, through integration and friendship. The mutual benefit of supporting and empowering refugees and asylum-seekers who are in turn contributing their talent, creativity and skills, is evident."

A Great British Welcome launches with 10 stories from across the UK, each featuring communities who have shared their passion and extended their kindness to refugees. Included are portraits of a School of Sanctuary in Norwich, a tight knit community in Bute, Scotland, and a walking group for people who have experienced detention.

The portrait series is featured in an exhibition currently open and free to visit in London.