Driving Change Together: A Partnership with Citizens UK for Free Bus Travel
In a resounding call for justice and inclusivity, advocates for free bus travel for Shpresa Programme members united outside London City Hall on February 8th. Their collective mission: to deliver a Valentine’s Day card to Deputy Mayor Seb Dance, urging a meaningful dialogue on fair bus travel policies for Shpresa Programme members.
This powerful action was a collaborative effort with Citizens UK, amplifying the voices and concerns of marginalised communities. Representatives from Shpresa Programme, alongside community leaders from the VOICES Network, Sufra NW London,Citizens UK, and other organisations, stood in solidarity for this vital cause.
As the Transport for London (TfL) board meeting unfolded inside City Hall, campaigners outside wielded signs and symbolic 'love buses,' symbolising the need for inclusivity in public transportation.
Their message resonated:
"Is there room on the bus for us?"
“There is room on the bus for all of us”
A specially crafted Valentine’s Day card, designed by talented Middlesex University art students, encapsulated the heartfelt plea for equitable transportation rights. It sparked a promise from Deputy Mayor Seb Dance to engage in substantive discussions, recognizing the fundamental need for fair access to public transport.
The narratives shared during the campaign underscored the daily struggles faced by Shpresa Programme members, from economic hardships forcing difficult choices between essentials and travel to barriers hindering access to vital services like healthcare and education.
The campaign’s success was not just in capturing attention but in fostering genuine commitments to change. Deputy Mayor Seb Dance’s acknowledgment that “London is for everyone” echoes the ethos of inclusivity and solidarity championed by Citizens UK and its partners.
Rabbi Rebecca Birk of Finchley Progressive Synagogue emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts in supporting marginalised communities on their integration journey, echoing the sentiments of Citizens UK’s advocacy for fairness and dignity for all.
This collaborative campaign, rooted in the values of compassion and justice, aligns seamlessly with Shpresa Programme vision for a more inclusive and empathetic society for all, especially for Asylum Seekers. It sets a precedent for continued partnership and action, ensuring that the voices of Shpresa Programme members and marginalised communities across London are heard and respected in shaping equitable policies and opportunities.
