Refugee Week

Each year, we come together with our communities and other organisations to celebrate Refugee Week  – a nationwide festival celebrating the contributions, resilience and creativity of refugees. This year, for the first time, all events, activities and exhibitions are being held virtually as we celebrate Refugee Week, inspired by the theme ‘Imagine’. As part of this celebration are all invited to take part in some ‘Simple Acts’ that can all be done at home.

Simple Acts are everyday actions we can all do to stand with refugees and make new connections in our communities.

JRS UK has put together its own selection of Simple Acts, which you can do at home to learn more about the experiences of our refugee friends, and stand with us across borders and distance, as we imagine a better future.

This year:

• Watch Sarah Teather and Austen Ivereigh’s special Refugee Week conversation in a pre-recorded online webinar
• Read our JRS ‘Imagine’ anthology, and hear the voices of many of the JRS community as they reflect on experiences of seeking asylum in the UK.
• Why not visit our digital photography and art exhibition, showcasing creative work from our refugee friends, and supporters.
• Or you could join us in making a special recipe for Refugee Week created by JRS Community Kitchen group.

We’ll be sharing JRS’ Refugee Week creations and activities on our Facebook page and our Twitter feed, so be sure to follow JRS UK and share what you’re doing with us!

This Refugee Week is a chance for you to act in solidarity with refugees living in the UK, including those who are held in detention.

Facing homelessness, hunger, loneliness and chronic physical and mental health problems, JRS UK’s refugee friends deserve to feel welcomed and accompanied in the UK.

Can you help JRS UK continue to support our refugee friends? There are ongoing practical and emotional needs that our friends face daily, which are worsened due to the coronavirus lockdown. Your help today will alleviate the growing stress, anxiety and vulnerability of their health and wellbeing.