About Us
Roots is a French association working in Grande Synthe, an area of northern France close to Dunkirk, providing services to people living in the informal camps here. We aim to provide environmentally conscious and sustainable humanitarian aid, particularly focussing on the environment surrounding the living site. We believe in access to basic human rights for everybody, no matter where you are from or what your visa situation is, and we will continue to do this until these fundamental human rights are met.
Everything we do has our core values in mind: reliable daily services and making sure fundamental rights are covered, such as WASH, and Digital Inclusion. We are now part of the camp's communities, thanks to our social hub we can interact and connect with all the different communities in camp. We stand side by side with the people on the move.
OUR STORY
2017
Roots began as a one person side project, our founder repurposed old batteries to make power-banks for displaced people. Power-banks were given to partner organisations who then distributed in the field. This was an environmental and financially conscious decision - organisations were paying on average £10 per Power-bank, and Roots could build them for £2.50 from fully recycled batteries.
2019
With more free time in 2019, our founder and a small team expanded into litter picking and a waste management programme which has grown and become one of our biggest and most important projects to date.
2020
During the pandemic most organisations operating in Dunkirk had to close. Fortunately, Roots was able to continue and even expanded operations by running services that other organisations usually provided, such as phone charging and Wi-Fi. In addition to this Roots introduced two cold water showers into the camp and maintenance of the state provided water point, including the provision of soap and toiletries, as well as regular disinfection of contact points such as taps.
Late in 2020 Roots rented a space in an old monastery close to the Belgian border, with more space and facilities we were able to expand our projects. Here, our first round of charging tables were built and we began our Hot Shower Project.
2021
In November of 2021 the French state stopped giving reliable water access to people in camp. Since then there has been no state provided water point, Roots began our Water project soon after.
2022
With the development of our projects we moved to a larger space to accommodate our needs. Building showers, charging tables, and storing everything we need for our WASH, Digital Inclusion and Environmental Security projects requires a lot of space! We were lucky enough to move into a wonderful space that includes accommodation. From here we expanded our on the ground team and developed our main projects. Unfortunately, to keep our focus on services in the camps, we have had to pause the Electronics Workshop Project, however we hope to have it up and running again soon!
2023
Early in the year we moved warehouses (again!) this time only a few doors down to a more suitable location on the same compound, we have much more space where we can work on restarting our warehouse projects! This year we aim to continue with our ever-evolving services, to reopen our Electronics Workshop and to support as many displaced people as we can.
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2024
We advocated ( alongside other associations ) for fixed water points to be installed. By mid summer there were 2 water points. This meant we could install our recycled cold water IBC showers. In September we were able to relaunch our hot showers 4 days a week, alongside operating the community hub 5 days a week. We still have not been able to relaunch the electronics project but funding allowing we hope 2025 will be the year we can.
OUR mission
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To make sure that everyone has access to drinking water within a safe walking distance from their home.
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To force the French State to recognise that the lack of access to water is a violation of basic human rights.
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For the French State to provide adequate basic services for displaced people living in Grande Synthe.
ROOTS FAMILY
Without our amazing volunteers, Roots wouldn’t exist. To maintain our connection with our team we created 'Roots Family', but the family extends past our volunteers, we also welcome supporters, donors and people who are interested in the work we do to join out family. We have a dedicated Facebook page, and a WhatsApp group.
In our groups we share updates about Roots and our projects, we ask for help in completing tasks, and of course we share lots of pet photos! Join our family and join the amazing work our volunteers do!
MEET OUR
COORDINATORS
Our coordinators are a group of experienced and qualified individuals with skills and knowledge ranging from basic electronics and WASH, to humanitarian studies and Social Welfare. They are dedicated to ensuring that the services we deliver at the camp are dignified and sustainable. Between them, they are at the camp every day to ensure that volunteers are comfortable, and the displaced individuals have a familiar face to approach with questions.
MEET OUR
TRUSTEES
Roots has a diverse board of trustees, who are responsible for the overall control and strategic direction of our organization. We meet regularly to discuss, review and decide our strategies and policies and receive updates from our senior leadership team. Our trustees work for Roots on a voluntary basis to ensure we deliver our ambition to strengthen communities by delivering an excelle service.
MEET OUR
VOLUNTEERS
Roots is entirely volunteer run! Everything we do is only possible because so many amazing individuals have chosen to dedicate their time to Roots to help displaced people. In 2022 alone we welcomed over 140 volunteers, and each and every one of them have been an amazing addition to the team. Each volunteer comes with their own unique skill set and talents and we aim to utilise each person to the maximise their input based on their abilities. We learn together and we grow together. Thank you to every single of one of you!
Board of Trustees
PRESIDENT
Thomas Gilbert
I started ROOTS in September 2017 with the plan of it being a support organisation for groups on the ground. I chose to be based in the area so that we could see and adapt to the needs as we observed them arising. I am currently President and also an on the ground Co-ordinator focusing on the upkeep and implementation of equipment for current and new services. I worked in hospitality before volunteering so providing support in a professional way is a transferable skill which has worked well.
TRUSTEE
PHILIP HORNER
Like many, I started to get involved with refugees in 2015, and my first trip to Calais was in January 2016. Back in the UK I helped to form a local refugee support organisation, Refugee Action – Colchester and was Operations Manager for a number of years. During this time I ran several trips to Calais for a number of volunteers, and assisted in Dunkirk, Brussels and Paris as well as Calais. Three years ago I took a step back from the organisation and started to foster asylum seeking children, initially Afghan, but now my wife and I have two Kurdish 15 years olds that we look after. I also work part-time as a cyber security consultant, which was my previous career prior to Refugee Action - Colchester. I have recently started working with Calais Light as their lead volunteer supporting a hotel with disabled asylum seekers in North Essex.
TREASURER
Sarah Berry
I have lived in France for over 20 years and have 4 children. I went to Calais in August 2015 with my husband and spent a lot of time in Dunkirk , then went to Greece, then helped in Paris but eventually came back to Calais and managed operations for a charity for a few years. I have always loved the ethos of ROOTS and within the remits of working for another charity supported ROOTS where possible - so it was a natural evolution to become more hands on and join the Board. In the UK I used to work for various banks and building societies and ran a CAMHS clinic.
ADMINISTRATOR
Giles Berry
I moved to France with my wife whereby I had my own business for a few years in building. This allowed me the freedom to go to Calais and Dunkirk intermittently in 2015, 2016.
Whilst I have now changed vocations I am very hands on still.
I have known of Roots through my volunteering in Northern France and I regularly advise and occasionally travel to Dunkirk to maintain and repair various vehicles and equipment, sometimes building items.
SECRETARY
Sheilagh Guthrie
I joined the board of ROOTS in August 2023. I am primarily responsible for administration and secretarial support.
I am a full-time volunteer working mostly in the UK with Care4Calais supporting asylum seekers and refugees. I am an advocate for migrant rights, and I also volunteer with a refugee resettlement charity, an organisation assisting asylum seekers in my area, and Scottish Detainees Visitors Group.
After leaving paid employment as an information researcher, I have been involved in many charities including those focussing on education and literacy, and young people. It was this interest that brought me into contact with the ‘Jungle’ in Calais in 2016, since when I have concentrated my efforts in the refugee sector. I am currently studying for a Masters degree in Refugee Care at the University of Essex.
TRUSTEE
Ged Meechan
Info to follow
ADMINISTRATOR - MENTAL HEALTH
Sarah Fenby-Dixon
I joined ROOTS as Trustee for Mental Health in April 2024. My role involves providing a safe place for volunteers ensuring that they maintain good mental health despite their very challenging roles.
I began working with refugees and asylum seekers in 2016 - travelling to Paris and distributing aid to those living on the streets. I am also a Trustee with the charity Refugee Aid Network raising money and collecting aid for people in northern France, Syria, Lebanon and Palestine. Since 2021 I have been heavily involved in supporting and lobbying for those Afghans who worked with the British Army, From 2022 to 2023 I worked as Afghanistan Consultant for Global Witness.
By profession I am an English teacher and worked in a mainstream secondary school for 20 years before moving to an alternative provision, teaching young people with mental health conditions and emotional issues which would normally prevent them from accessing education. Through this and my refugee work, I have experience of supporting people living with trauma, PTSD and other mental health issues. I am a Designated Safeguarding Lead and am trained in Mental Health First Aid.
OUR PARTNERS
