KRAN (Kent Refugee Action Network)
KRAN (Kent Refugee Action Network) work with separated young refugees and asylum seekers, also known as UASC (Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children). These are young people aged 16 to 24 who have arrived in Kent alone and are claiming asylum, providing them with a safe, positive space and supporting them to succeed. Blue Mentor, Jenny, has been working with these young people as part of the Blue Influencer scheme to help these young people connect with local cultural and natural spaces.
Blue Influencer project:
Jenny has been working closely with the young people at KRAN to connect them with local spaces of cultural and natural importance, all with an eye to blue issues. She began by taking the group to the Leas Lift (a grade II listed funicular railway that carries passengers between the seafront and the promenade in Folkestone), to learn about its history and current restoration and how, for the last 100 years or so, it has helped to connect the people of Folkestone with their coast.
The next group visit was to Samphire Hoe (a 30-hectare nature reserve managed by the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership) along with other groups of young asylum seekers. The group enjoyed spending time outside and said they were interested in spending more time outside and making greater connections with nature, perhaps through practical volunteering. This led to the young people taking part in a river litter pick in partnership with White Cliffs Countryside Partnership.
As well as their visits to Leas Lift and Samphire Hoe to connect with local blue spaces, the group were also keen to connect with Primal Runners to promote fitness, mental wellbeing and build that connection with local blue spaces through running. The group have been for coastal runs and benefited from spending the time outside. An additional activity was included to re-visit Folkestone Harbour to try sea food and learn about sustainable fishing.
New Beginnings KRAN Cretes Connection to Place, Heritage and Hope
Every journey begins with a first step and for young people at KRAN, that journey was filled with history, rivers and exciting new possibilities.
Working with young refugees and asylum seekers, the Blue Influencers project created opportunities to explore local heritage, connect with blue spaces and discover the wildlife and stories woven into Kent's landscape.
Early sessions focused on building confidence while developing partnerships with organisations including the Kentish Stour Partnership. As plans evolved, young people began exploring how rivers connect communities and how environmental action can help people feel part of the places they now call home.
One memorable highlight was a visit to Dover Castle, where history came alive through exploration, discussion and reflection. Rather than simply visiting a historic site, participants considered how landscapes tell stories and how their own experiences could become part of those stories too.
As ideas developed, so did ambitions. Plans emerged for creative projects including a River Giant, future canoe-based activities and a spectacular eagle build planned for the summer with artist James Edward Frost.
Unable to access additional funding for the summer programew, very much like rivers themselves, the project changed direction. What mattered most was that young people remained at the heart of the journey, shaping ideas and helping create something meaningful together.
KRAN continues to show that connecting with nature can also help people connect with community, belonging and hope for the future.