Five minutes with - Giulia Savini

It was the end of February 2012.

Only two months after I graduated, I told my family that I was moving to the UK.

So I organised my travel, my accommodation and looked at the different job opportunities I could apply for.

The unknown scared me but my dreams were finally coming true, so nothing else mattered.

I am very passionate about politics, I am a political activist and organiser.

I completed my study at the University of Essex and in 2013 I had the opportunity to work as part of an internship in London.

After applying for several jobs, I finally got offered one as Campaign Organiser in Doncaster.

At the time I was totally unaware of the differences between North and South, so I took the opportunity without thinking twice.

When my manager asked me: Are you sure? Doncaster? – I really did not know what he was referring to.

Well, now I know, and I am glad I did what I did.

I moved to Doncaster at the end of 2013.

Over the years I met many people, made new friends and more importantly I met my partner.

I love this town, its parks, its wonderful markets and of course its people.

The sense of community is very evident and strong in each area of town, people are supporting each other through the most difficult times.

I am very proud to be part of it and to call Doncaster my home.

Now I work for a National Charity as Office Manage but I never abandoned my political battles.

Over the last four years I have been behind the organisation of pro-European events in Doncaster.

I co-founded the pro-European group called “Best for Doncaster” and since then I have been the Vice-Chair of the group.

I am the product of the European Union, it is thanks to freedom of movement that now I am here and can build and plan my future with my British partner.

So, I felt I had to give something back to the cause and fight for my future in this country, a country I deeply love.

Thanks to the EU, I met plenty of new people and friends from different parts of Europe.

We exchanged stories, food recipes, cultures and languages.

I will never forget my first months in this country. I did not feel like a stranger.

I felt like I was part of a bigger, loving and caring family – and this is what the European Union is all about.

One night, I found myself sitting around a table with my housemates and everyone cooked a traditional meal.

That was the first time I tasted something British, Spanish, Polish and French at the same time.

My contribution was pasta, of course.

Our diversity is our strength and enrich our lives so much.

I am now volunteering for the European Movement as Regional representative and activist, and I recently got involved with the Settled Charity as Immigration Adviser to support people who are going to apply for Settled Status.

I am hoping to support many Doncaster residents and communities over the next few months.

But my life is not all about politics (even if it keeps me very busy!), I love travelling - which could sound pretty obvious given that I moved to a different country years ago.

I love discovering new places, meeting new people, trying different cuisines and learning about new cultures and languages.

My most amazing travels have been in Europe and I would say that my Andalusia trip was probably the best one I ever had, and I would recommend it to anyone.

My other favourite activities involve going to the theatre, cinema and reading books. I felt in love with the UK by reading the amazing books of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. I think I watched ‘Mouse Trap’ by Agatha Christie three times, and I am looking forward to being able to bring my partner with me at the next show at CAST in Doncaster.

Sadly, our lives have been put on hold due to the pandemic virus, but nothing is going to stop us from making plans about the future. I am sure you will see me soon campaigning in the streets of Doncaster, travelling around the country and Europe and going out to restaurants, theatre, cinema in Town.

Here is a message of hope from my native country, Italy: “Everything will be all right”.