Natalia wrote this poem in early 2022, when she was living in Kyiv, Ukraine.

“Back then, I had no idea that I would one day share it far from home—or that its meaning would become so powerful and so relevant, not only for me, but for countless others across the world. As someone who was forced to leave home because of war, I have come to understand the true value of democracy—not as an abstract idea, but as a daily reality. This poem is about choice, dignity, and freedom—and about the quiet strength of being heard.”

Being new to the area, not speaking English or suffering mental health challenges due to past trauma can affect the way in which people access new places.

We recently collaborated with a team of geography students and Dr. Peter Garside from Kingston University to create a community-led map of the most important spaces in the local area as seen through the eyes of RAK members. The mapping involved several discussions between the students and RAK members at our weekly Community Hub.

Maya reflects on the recent collaboration between the Rose Theatre and the ‘Boy at the Back of the Class’ production team with Refugee Action Kingston.