London Fire Risk Assessments supports REFUGYM

In 2016, Brittany Pummell found herself drawn to the refugee crisis in Greece, with a deep desire to assist in this humanitarian disaster so close to home.

There, she worked in camps all over Greece, offering educational aid and community building through active participation. Most recently, she was Field Director in a camp, where she was able to implement her idea of inclusivity and community strength, where aid is available to all refugees.

Whilst she observed that the fundamental needs of refugees were being met – such as food, water and shelter – she noted that there is little to no emphasis on mental health. Refugees have suffered extensive trauma, exacerbated through boredom by being disallowed to work or create normal lives for themselves. Refugees’ mental health suffers as a consequence; yet there is apathy amongst responding actors to address this vital need.

Through Brittany’s encouragement of active participation, a gym area was built as a result of direct requests from a camp community.

The requests came from people wanting to add purpose to their stagnated life in Greece, giving them a goal to work towards and using exercise to help them feel good about themselves.

Wanting to make exercise and feel-good endorphins available to all refugees, REFUGYM was created!

REFUGYM aims to improve the mental health of refugees through the medium of physical exercise.

We will be a mobile gym, bringing sporting equipment and facilitating exercises to every area in Greece where refugees are being accommodated.

London Fire Risk Assessments supports various charities at ‘home’ but this year we are going to extend our support to REFUGYM. This Orpington based charity is run by a young, passionate team that are determined to make a difference to people that don’t have a ‘home’. If you feel you can support Brittany and her team see their Crowd Funder page