AN exhibition hosted by our cathedral tells stories of those forced from their homes but remaining in their own country.

The Christian Aid exhibition 'Uprooted' includes images of some of the 40million people who are displaced within their own country. The words and photos will be on display from May 11-20, to coincide with Christian Aid Week (May 13-19).

The free exhibition is touring the country to raise the profile of internally-displaced people who flee from conflict, climate change, natural disaster or threat, and yet who are denied the official protection afforded to refugees who cross borders.

A set of photographs will highlight the personal stories and vulnerability of people forced to leave their lives behind by Boko Haram in Nigeria, conflict in Iraq and intense drought in Kenya.

Christian Aid Week this year is highlighting the plight of people in Haiti exposed to the ravages of natural disasters. Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world, and a high number of the population live in precarious houses or have been uprooted from their homes entirely, making them especially vulnerable when another disaster strikes. More than eight years on from the devastating earthquake in Port-au-Prince in 2010, an estimated 38,000 people are still displaced. 

In November 2016, Hurricane Matthew wreaked yet more havoc, killing 546 people and destroying homes, businesses and infrastructure. Up to 90% of some areas were destroyed.

Christian Aid’s local partner, KORAL, helps local people prepare for, and recover from disasters. Ahead of Hurricane Matthew, KORAL warned local communities, helping to evacuate around 5,000 families and saving many lives. In the immediate aftermath Christian Aid and KORAL distributed urgently-needed shelter materials and disaster-resistant homes were built, giving people safe, secure places to live. Of the dozens built before the hurricane hit, only one lost its roof in the disaster.

Last year in Portsmouth supporters raised £7,641 for Christian Aid Week through a mixture of house to house collections, picnics, sponsored walks and Big Brekkies and other events hosted by churches and local groups.

Christian Aid’s Regional Coordinator for Hampshire, Stephen Dominy, said: “It’s fantastic to have the exhibition in the cathedral during Christian Aid Week which gives an opportunity for hope to triumph over despair when we stand together.

“People displaced within their own countries are rarely at the forefront of the news, but Christian Aid hasn’t forgotten them. We believe everyone counts, and we will continue to fight alongside them for justice.

“Christian Aid Week unites thousands of churches every year to raise money to support our global neighbours in need, who are often suffering through no fault of their own and I am delighted to say there are a whole range of events and collections happening across the city this year.”

Other events in Portsmouth for Christian Aid Week include:

Big Brekkie at St Faith’s Church Portsea on Saturday 12^th May (10am to 12 noon) and an Easter Bunny Drive (a seasonal variation on a beetle drive!) 7pm on Friday 18^th May, also at St Faith’s.

Big Brekkie at Portsmouth Methodist Church Highland Rd Southsea PO4 9AH on Thursday 17^th May (8.30am to 12.30pm)

Big Brekkie at Portsmouth Cathedral on Sunday 27^th May (between 8.30am and 10.15am and from 11.45am – ie after the 8am service and after the 10.30am service).

Further afield, there’s the South Hampshire Sponsored Walk on Sunday 20^th May, which starts from St Nicholas’ Church Hall, Wickham PO17 6HP.Enjoy a country ramble around Wickham with a choice of walks: 10 miles, 5 miles, and a shorter family walk. Dogs on leads are welcome. Walks start at 1.45pm (registration open from 1pm) and car parking is available.The walk is completed with complimentary tea and cake.For more details see https://www.christianaid.org.uk/events/south-hampshire-sponsored-walk or contact Anna Sketchley on 01329 847095.

This Christian Aid Week, you can help to change the lives of people displaced due to disasters or conflict by donating online at www.caweek.org calling 08080 006 006, or texting ‘GIVE’ to 70040 to give £5.*