Last summer, Riada Kullani experienced a sense of déjà vu when the UK faced anti-immigration riots. Over a decade ago, as an Albanian immigrant fleeing peril, she encountered hostility in shared asylum-seeker housing in Stockton-on-Tees, marked by red-painted chipboard doors.
Living with other traumatized women from various backgrounds, Riada endured nightly harassment by hostile groups outside their residence, throwing objects and hurling insults. The fear instilled in them made simple tasks like buying food a nerve-wracking ordeal.
The recent riots, occurring near their previous location, reignited old fears for Riada and fellow refugees, prompting them to retreat indoors. The Mirror’s ‘Island of Strangers’ series, focusing on Middlesbrough, a town heavily impacted by the 2024 unrest, shed light on the aftermath of the violent incidents.
Cleveland Police likened the chaos in Middlesbrough to a war zone, with masked individuals clashing with law enforcement, setting fires, and causing substantial property damage. However, amidst the turmoil, local residents rallied to clean up streets, protect places of worship, and extend hospitality to individuals of diverse cultures and beliefs.
The Flower Patch, a community gardening initiative in Middlesbrough, symbolized resilience and unity, with refugees and locals cultivating flowers together despite facing vandalism. Riada, a former lawyer turned English teacher for newcomers, emphasized the project’s role in fostering wellbeing and promoting integration with the host community.
While recounting their journeys to safety, individuals like Abubakarr, who fled civil unrest in Sierra Leone, and Shirley, escaping an abusive marriage, found solace and purpose in the Flower Patch. Their resilience in the face of adversity mirrored the community’s efforts to rebuild and thrive, as seen in the Harrison couple’s wedding bouquet sourced from the Patch.
Reflecting on her transformation through gardening, Shirley expressed newfound self-assurance and hope for a brighter, unified future. The community-driven initiative not only empowered individuals like Shirley and Abubakarr but also highlighted the potential for collective growth and harmony in Middlesbrough.
For more stories like these, search ‘Mirror Originals #IslandOfStrangers’ on YouTube.