The days were filled with activities, laughter, and connection. The Big Leaf participants, who often feel isolated in their new environment, were embraced by the students of St George's with warmth and respect. For many of them, this was the first time they had been treated simply as peers - equal, human, and as friends. They took part in everything from art sessions to football games, creating moments they will never forget.

One story in particular stands out. A young boy, new to the group, had only joined Big Leaf on the second day. He had been through unimaginable trauma, and it showed in his demeanour - he was scared, withdrawn, and unable to communicate well due to his limited English. During a football match, he made a brief attempt to join in, but his injuries forced him to sit out. It was at this moment that one of the Sixth Form students, Chloe, noticed him. Without hesitation, she left the game, sat down beside him, and began talking. Despite not knowing his language, she managed to connect with him. Slowly, a smile began to spread across his face - his first since he arrived. It was a small moment, but one filled with kindness and understanding, and it encapsulated the spirit of those three days.

However, these bright moments of connection came amidst a backdrop of fear and uncertainty. Just weeks after the visit, riots broke out across the country, fuelled by hateful misinformation targeting migrant communities. The young people at Big Leaf were deeply affected by these events. Many became fearful of venturing outside, wondering if they would ever be safe in the country they now call home. It was a sobering reminder of the harsh realities they still face. Yet, in the middle of this fear, the memories of their time at St George's gave them something invaluable: hope.

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Our Sixth Form Students with Chaplain Kevin and our guest. Faces covered to protect their identity.

The staff at Big Leaf reminded the young people of the joy they experienced at the school, the friends they made, and the welcome they received. They spoke of how the students at St George's showed them that not everyone in the UK harboured hate. In fact, they had met people who saw them not as strangers, but as equals and friends. These memories helped them realise that despite the violence they saw on the news, there were still places, like St George's, where they could feel safe, respected, and loved.

A beautiful thank you letter sent to Mrs Owens by Kayte Cable, Co-founder of Big Leaf, reads: “I have to say that the warmth and acceptance displayed at every moment by your staff and students, is something so rare and so entirely precious that we remain entirely blown away. It is very, very unusual for those at Big Leaf even to meet other young people their age from the local community, let alone be greeted with so much friendship. I am being entirely inarticulate, I know - but I honestly cannot find the words to express how much that meant to our young.”

The Big Leaf team went on to extend their deepest gratitude to the entire St George’s community - especially to the staff and Sixth Formers of the Kennedy Club. Their energy, dedication, and open hearts made this experience possible, and their actions have left a lasting impression on everyone at Big Leaf. In a world that sometimes feels divided, they proved that empathy, kindness, and courage can bring people together across any divide.

As we look forward to the new academic year, the memories of this summer remain a powerful reminder of the difference we can all make, simply by embracing the humanity in each other.