BUILDING HOME AT THE COMMUNITY TABLE

Northern France, December 10-12, 2025

This week we spent 3 days reconnecting with services in both Dunkirk & Calais for the last time this year. The consistently stormy weather gave way to milder conditions, with moments of sun.

On Wednesday the team @medecinsdumonde spoke about the recent turbulence and outbreaks of violence they have witnessed. Most of those waiting to see the Doctor at the mobile clinic had flu-like symptoms, the thick mud beneath our feet getting everywhere. Over 30 people joined us in the psychosocial van, including a GP from Sudan and a midwife from Eritrea. Children we have met several times previously came to play at the table, a bit like children dropping by to see a neighbour.

Yesterday we visited the Maria Skobtsova safe house in Calais, where women and children find respite from the challenges outside. The Community Table slowly found its place in the heart of the house with women, children and volunteers sitting together around the dining room table - poignant as this is the service where the notion of The Community Table began 8 years ago. There was knitting, painting and playing with bricks.

Today @calais.exilessc we were reminded once again as to why we persist with this work. Calais continues to be full of immense challenges, with teams from various services providing ongoing support. Today another big eviction left many displaced in the area without shelter, with high numbers from Sudan using the day centre. At the table several teenagers built homes past, present and future, the value of The Community Table clearly articulated by a French psychologist who joined us.

We have worked for ten years with people displaced from Sudan, and for the past year with a staff team in South Sudan @greenkordofan supporting displaced children. Witnessing all the young people this week in search of safety and finding ways to play has been particularly moving.

Words by Miriam Usiskin & Bobby Lloyd.