PHOTO: FELIPE JONSSON LOPES
Working Together Words Jess Bee
“Lockdown put many in more difficult situations”
So much of the work of Lifewords operates through partnership – a response to God’s values of relationship, collaboration and community. Last spring when the UK and many other countries went into lockdown as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, life suddenly looked very different. For Lifewords and its partners here was an opportunity to offer safety, hope and support to vulnerable people all over the world. “From the beginning of the national lockdown in March 2020, we entered into a busy, vibrant, challenging, painful and beautiful time,” says Emma Turner from Azalea in Luton, UK, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities presented by lockdown restrictions. Azalea, who Lifewords partnered with to create Consider the Wildflowers, works with those who are trafficked and sexually exploited. “Lockdown put many in more difficult situations,” says Emma. “There was an increase in the violence enacted against our women. We received a huge number of disclosures of violence and rape – seven times more than in the same time period in 2019. Homelessness was more worrying due to the
inability to self-isolate.” Azalea also saw a huge rise in the number of women, and men, going to them for emergency support through their foodbank.
A PLACE OF REFUGE Azalea adapted to the new circumstances in order to keep serving its community. It responded by opening its doors daily, so that the women they work with could visit if they were in need. “We saw many at all times of the day, coming forward because they had just been attacked, or in desperate need of food, or to contact the council to be placed in accommodation,” says Emma. Azalea also expanded its foodbank offering, including a mobile foodbank for those who
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