Meet the author: Refugee volunteer Brendan Woodhouse

Jersey Islanders are being offered the unique opportunity to hear from Brendan Woodhouse, refugee search volunteer and co-author of ‘Doro – Refugee, Champion, Hero, Survivor’, as he discusses the lifesaving actions of Sea-Watch Refugee Search and his own experiences of working with refugees.

On 15th May people can attend a talk with the author and activist who has been involved in refugee search and rescue operations since 2015, rescuing around 8,500 people as part of 11 missions. Brendan will be talking about his book which recounts his encounter with Gambian fisherman Doro, who fled his home country and overcame shipwreck, torture and being left for dead in a mass grave. The two forged a friendship which led to the publication of their story, an inspirational and heart-breaking journey of Doro’s refuge to France. The book explores policy and politics, resilience and hope, and the power that friendship can have.

The event will be presented by Jersey Association of Sustainability Practitioners (JASP) and sponsored by The People and Planet Company Ltd, who also donated funding to allow the book to be published.

Founder and CEO of The People and Planet Company Ltd, Sarah Carre, said: “It is rare on this island to have exposure to such powerful stories, let alone be able to listen first-hand to those carrying out amazing work such as Brendan does. We are delighted to welcome him to Jersey to not only promote his book, but to educate people on the social and environmental issues which often lead to the migration of refugees.”

Michelle Ryan, Chair of JASP, added: “Storytelling is an impactful and accessible way to get important messages across to people and to reach a diverse audience. JASP is eager to support events, projects and initiatives that will bring awareness to more people and to spread messages that will cause us all to reflect and consider the future of the world we live in.”

Tickets to this intimate event are available now on Eventbrite, and signed copies of Doro will be available to purchase on the evening. Attendance is free of charge, with the option to donate to the non-profit, Sea-Watch, the organisation that searches for and supports refugees.