A fundraising concert to raise awareness of issues facing refugees living in Britain was held at a Putney pub last week.
The event at the Half Moon pub on Thursday, November 10 raised £700 in proceeds from ticket sales and saw sets from musicians interspersed with accounts of refugees’ stories.
The money raised from the gig will go towards providing education to help young refugees build more hopeful futures.
The night was organised by Southfields resident Matt Currey with help from the pub and the Refugee Support Network (RSN) – a charity committed to providing support and advice to young refugees fleeing war-torn countries.
He said: “This is a cause that I believe in and am passionate about raising awareness of.”
Upon turning 40, Matt wanted to mark the event in a creative, challenging and memorable way.
He set himself the goal of completing 40 challenges over the year – from cycling 40 miles across London, to giving up meat for 40 days – all while raising money for RSN and Tearfund, a Teddington-based poverty fighting charity.
“It was a chance to do some things that are significant, and the idea for the gig started to develop from there,” Matt said.
“I wanted to make my 40th birthday celebrations significant and meaningful, and to include ways to think and take action on issues we face in the world today.”
More than 100 people attended the concert, and RSN programmes manager Emily Bowerman said she was pleased with the turnout.
“Not only was it a great evening of quality music and good company, but each of the people there was, by their very presence, doing something tangible to show young refugees that they matter,” she said.
“We’re really grateful to all the artists who gave their time and talents to support this cause, to Matt, and the Half Moon who were such a welcoming and friendly venue. “
According to UN figures, there are currently more than 123,000 refugees living in the UK.
Matt’s blog can be found here or click here to donate.
