University expert discusses immigration to Northampton at public meeting

An expert in the impact of immigration and cultural change from the University of Northampton will address a public meeting to discuss housing refugee families in the town.

Dr Evangelia Prokopiou is a cultural psychologist whose research focuses on understanding the experiences of unaccompanied asylum seekers – particularly children – and the attitudes of communities towards them.  She is one of the key speakers at the meeting – hosted by Northampton Town of Sanctuary – which will be held at the Guildhall on 12 September, to discuss housing refugee families and children fleeing warzones in the Middle East.

Dr Prokopiou explained: “My speech will try to raise awareness of the experiences of minor refugees, including unaccompanied asylum seekers. It will consider the impact of detention as well as the impact of mainstream constructions of refugees on refugee children. I will also explore the multiplicity of the refugee experience by drawing on an exhibition of 30 drawings made by children detained at a Detention Centre in Greece as well as the emergence of solidary networks in the midst of one of the worse humanitarian crises since World War II.”

The meeting at the Guildhall is free to attend will start at 6:30pm on Monday 12 September. For more info email: Secretary.ntos@gmail.com or visit their website.

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Picture shows refugee children in a temporary camp, courtesy of Children on the Edge, alongside a piece of children’s artwork.