In a time when fear and division are growing louder, our movement matters more than ever.
At Together With Refugees, we believe we are stronger when we take action together. That’s why we’re excited to launch our new strategy: Stronger Together 2026-29, with a vision of a fair and humane asylum system in the UK. One that treats people with dignity, strengthens communities and reflects our shared values of compassion, justice and responsibility.
It sets out three key objectives:
- Mobilise and amplify community connection, solidarity and collective action for a fair and compassionate asylum system, inspiring new and existing supporters.
- Promote a positive, inclusive narrative that recognises refugees and people seeking asylum as valued and integral members of communities across the UK.
- Increase the collective impact of our members by supporting and strengthening their skills and capacity to advocate for a fair and compassionate asylum system.
Here, Jehangir Malik, Interim Director, sets out his highlights from the strategy.
What is the main focus of the new strategy?
“Alongside the objectives, Stronger Together has three bold strands at its heart.
“First, it firmly puts local first – supporting communities across the UK to stand together, take action and demonstrate how, as neighbours, friends and colleagues, we stand together with refugees. Our focus is on uniting our membership of hundreds of local community-based groups alongside large national NGOs, unions and funders to mobilise and communicate collective action through combined resilience and power.
“Second, people with lived experience of being a refugee are now at the heart of our approach, including in coalition leadership.
“And finally, it brings together allies from across society – organisations, institutions, businesses, faith groups, and more – to demonstrate support across the whole of society for a kinder, fairer system for refugees and people seeking asylum.”
What are you aiming to achieve?
“Ultimately, we want to see a fair and compassionate asylum system in the UK, one that treats people seeking safety with dignity and respect, strengthens communities and reflects our shared values of compassion, justice and responsibility.
“But for politicians to make long term positive change to the asylum system, they will need to feel the will of the electorate. Research tells us that the majority of the public do believe in supporting those fleeing war and persecution. Now we need to tell that story, loudly and repeatedly. That’s why our second objective puts promoting a positive, inclusive narrative – demonstrating that local communities across the country support this – at the heart of our strategy.”
Are there any other important points you would like to highlight?
“This is about building on the extraordinary commitment and tenacity that already exists across the refugee movement. Every day, small, often volunteer-led, groups across the UK work hard to improve the system for those who have already suffered enough. This is despite the incredibly difficult and frequently threatening environment they work in.
“Our focus is to find ways to support these organisations to continue to do their best work, and ensure that together we are stronger. Together we feel supported, resilient and part of something bigger than us – to give us the confidence and backing to keep going.
“Organisations, institutions, groups, clubs or businesses can get involved. And we are calling on you to join us at this critical time to build strength in communities, combat division and cultivate unity.”
Find out more about our strategy and get in touch.