| The theme of Refugee Week 2026, which took place from 15-21 June, was courage, and it couldn’t have been more timely. Throughout the week, communities across the country came together to celebrate the courage, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. From storytelling and community gatherings to creative actions and media appearances, our coalition showed what courage looks like in action. |
| Some highlights include: |
- Tynemouth Together With Refugees and Walking With in North Tyneside took over the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art for a vibrant midsummer gathering featuring food, henna, garland-making, sewing, embroidery, live music and a fashion showcase
- Refugee Support Devon, Bicycle Links, Refugee Migrant Justice, and Women for Refugee Women took part in our coalition’s Courage video
- Epsom Refugee Network, part of Good Company Surrey, hosted a screening of Mariia Makarova’s documentary – Ukrainian Women: Between Two Worlds
- Refugee Support Devon welcomed ITV West Country into its office, where trustee Shehany and Immigration Advice Manager Alex spoke about the realities facing refugees and people seeking asylum today
- The Refugee Buddy Project and Hastings Community of Sanctuary transformed Hastings beach into a living patchwork quilt of orange – the colour of courage🧡
- Every day throughout Refugee Week, Herts Welcomes Refugees shared stories of courage from refugees and people seeking sanctuary, helping to amplify voices and experiences from across their community
- Refugee Support Devon’s Lived Experience Advisory Panel took over the airwaves on Phonic FM.
These events are just a snapshot of the creativity, compassion and determination shown by communities through Refugee Week. Together, we celebrated courage in all its forms and demonstrated the strength of communities standing alongside refugees and people seeking sanctuary.
