In the latest of our Northern Roots series, where we speak to people originally from Northern Ireland but currently living elsewhere – or vice versa – our interviewee is Miriam Kennedy in London.

 

1. Tell us about yourself. When did you leave Northern Ireland, and where did you go? What do you do now?

I currently live in London with my husband Adam and our 2 year-old son Ezra. My husband is from Templepatrick and I am from a little village called Aghalee which is near Moira and Lurgan.

Growing up in Aghalee was very quiet, my Mum and Dad made intentional decisions to not expose my sister and I to any of the issues surrounding the troubles. My Dad had grown up in London until he was 5, his mother was English and his Dad was from Belfast. My Mum and Dad hated the division and did not want us to be aware of it.

Growing up I did not know much about politics or the conflict between Catholics and Protestants. I went to a school in Lurgan and it wasn’t until I was 11 when I realized there was division. A friend told me at the time we couldn’t be friends anymore because I was Protestant and she was Catholic.

As a student I studied at Ulster University in Belfast. It was while living in Belfast as an art student that I began to engage in issues of poverty. I lived in The Presbyterian Chaplaincy halls of residence called ‘Derryvolgie Halls’. Our Chaplain at the time Rev Steve Stockman inspired me greatly how important it is to care for the poor and take practical actions to show love to others. l was inspired to do something in my career which could help people. I have a lot to be thankful for when looking back on my years of living in Belfast.

I moved from Northern Ireland in 2013 after being offered a job in London to work for the West London Mission. WLM is a Christian organization which consists of two central London Methodist churches and a number of social work projects. Our vision is to empower people who have been affected by homelessness, trauma and poverty.

My role is currently the Community worker at Hinde Street Methodist Church. I manage our Winter Night shelter which offers food, safety and conversation to people who have been sleeping on the streets. The shelter has 7 different venues so there is one for each night of the week. (5 Churches, a Synagogue and a Mosque). At Hinde Street we host night shelter on Monday evenings from December to March.

I organize and manage our incredible 62 volunteers, our guests and the overall hospitality of the shelter. I also help to build community at our ‘Wednesday Club’ which is a drop in safe space for people affected by poverty. We serve, soup, sandwiches, hot drinks, snacks and most importantly conversation. I lead church services on Sundays and offer pastoral care and support to young adults aged 20s and 30s who have moved to London. I love my job – it’s all about caring for people and expressing to them their value!

2. What do you think when you see the Northern Ireland of today, in the news and on social media?

I am full of hope for Northern Ireland when I think of its future. There has been a great surge of enthusiasm for tourism and when I go back home I am always amazed how much it has changed for the better.

Last Christmas Adam and I decided to make the most of Ezra’s Grandparents being nearby and we had night stay in Belfast. It was amazing to see just how much there was to do – the night life, restaurants, coffee bars, art galleries, quirky new shops that have popped up on what used to be dark and dreary alleyways!

The news of Northern Ireland that I take back to my friends in London is that they really must visit – it is such a great wee country with so much to do!

Often Northern Ireland gets negative press and people can have preconceived ideas about what it is like. Yes there are still some terrible stories of hurt and pain but overall it is going through some incredible healing and we should be so proud of where we are now.

 

3. Are you hopeful for Northern Ireland’s future? Will Brexit make a difference?

I worry that the border issue will become divisive to certain (small) parts of society and may give them reason to return to violence – although again it is the small minority. I think a delicate solution needs to be found to resolve this issue. However, I believe that the people of Northern Ireland must continue to be outward looking and encourage new ideas and investment from inside and outside the EU.

There are some amazing companies from Northern Ireland doing amazing things around the world, and I definitely believe Northern Ireland punches above its weight in certain fields. With Brexit – I think strengthening the economy is a key issue to continuing prosperity and ultimately peace.

4. Do you think you will return to Northern Ireland? What could convince you to come back?

We love to visit Northern Ireland to see our families. We love to hear the accents when we board our flights from London and there is nothing better than getting in a car and being able to drive to all our loved ones. We have contemplated moving back a few times but have felt strongly that London offers us something very unique.

The scopes of our jobs are very diverse, we meet people from all different parts of the world, we delight in the opportunities London offers to our Son especially having friends who are from different cultures and religions. I want him to grow up understanding that difference is to be celebrated and not to be feared. I would never say never – but certainly for the next number of years we are excited to set down some roots in London.

 

5. What can Northern Ireland learn from the place you live now?

I truly believe London has so much to learn from Northern Ireland. Our culture is warm, chatty, hospitable and family ties are deeply knitted into who we are.

When I first moved to London at times I was lonely, missed conversation and the ability to connect with people if even for a fleeting moment. In Northern Ireland people are so friendly – connecting with strangers is not difficult!

Likewise, I think there is much Northern Ireland could learn from London. I am so proud to live in a city where there is space to celebrate different cultures and freedom to be yourself. As someone who works in the church I am also inspired by the inclusive nature that is on offer in church life in London.

At Hinde Street Methodist church we are part of the inclusive church movement which means we pay attention to how we can make sure we do not discriminate against race, sexual orientation, economic power, gender, mental health, physical ability.

I know that before living in London I unconsciously put people in boxes depending on background and lifestyle. I am happy to say I am a lot more open-minded in my faith now and I feel churches in Northern Ireland would prosper greatly if more people felt included and welcomed. This is not only the case for churches in Northern Ireland but across the world!

 

6. If Northern Ireland had a president with sweeping powers, and it was you, what would you do?

I think I would encourage schools to be integrated and give more opportunities for children to learn about different religions and faith groups.

I would also put a plan in place for everyone to have more options for flexible working so that work-life balance is more manageable.

I would also host a night shelter in my own home for people facing homelessness and give them a platform to voice their experiences of their Northern Ireland.

7. What would you like to see more of on Northern Slant?

Reviews would be cool of some Northern Irish themed TV/Film/Theatre; for example, Patrick Keilty’s recent programme My Dad, the Peace Deal and Me. Or The Ferry Man which is a play currently on show in London’s West End by Jez Butterworth. I hope to get some tickets soon!

 

8. If you could ask three Northern Ireland politicians (past or present) to dinner, who would they be? And why?

O Gosh – okay, I think I would invite Ian Paisley as our theological perspectives would be rather different. Naomi Long as I think she is very thoughtful in her approach, and then perhaps Mo Mowlam. I know she’s not Northern Irish but as former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland I would want to discuss the work she did in bringing both sides of the political spectrum together and how she was able to get the Good Friday agreement signed. Perhaps we could have an Ulster Fry for dinner!

 

9. Do you have a favourite quote, or mantra?

‘When you are kind to others it doesn’t only change you, it changes the world.’

‘Do Justice, Love Mercy, Walk humbly.’

‘Never Give up.’

‘Save Water- Drink Prosecco.’

 

10. What’s your message for people back home?

I am so proud to be from Northern Ireland – as people we are warm, we make the best cups of tea and we should never underestimate the joy of potato bread with melted Irish butter! I have a deep love for home and my heart is happy when I fly in and see the green fields from the plane window. I just need to teach my Son how to say ‘cow’ and ‘car’ the proper Northern Irish way! Norn Iron is a beautiful little green gem!

Also published on Medium.