Happy Refugee Week!
This year’s theme – Community as a Superpower – could not be more timely. In a time when political rhetoric often marginalises people seeking sanctuary, communities remain vital spaces of welcome, resilience, and solidarity.
As I write, the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill continues its journey through Parliament. Plans for ‘removal hubs’ outside the UK, alongside a flawed asylum system, threaten to erode protection for people seeking sanctuary. At the same time, government rhetoric continues to scapegoat migrants and refugees – deepening division rather than offering solutions.
Nearly a year on from targeted violence against refugees and people of colour, we must keep working to change the narrative. Communities are places where real conversations can happen, even amid disagreement. They are where solidarity takes root.
As ever, we continue to find inspiration in our communities. In this edition, you’ll read reflections from the Wapping Run Club community, an invitation to our new play Fairfield, and a celebration of what we’ve achieved as a community over the last year.
In solidarity,
Victoria
"I feel happy to be one of the drama people - I enjoyt it because they call me Mama now. I play the role of an old mother, and since then, everyone calls me Mama wherever I go. It makes me feel loved."
Martin, Volunteer
Take a peek inside...
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Moulding blocks to build my own house
Page 2
Tabitha fled her home due to the Boko Haram insurgency. She has spent the past ten years in a camp for internally displaced people in Adawama State, Nigeria, with her husband and six children.
From our kitchen: Basarat's hot chili recipe
Page 3
“I made up this chili recipe for 2 friends, but now thousands of people want it!” – Basarat, Head Chef at our fortnightly social drop-in, shares her Enny Hot Chili recipe with us.
Running together: Wapping Run Club
Page 4
At JRS UK, we know the power of community to bring people together. Here in Wapping, we’ve found inspiration and support in the vibrant local running scene.
Island of Solidarity
Page 5
We need policies that truly value all members of our community, and policies that bring healing and inclusion, rather than deepening pain and marginalisation. We are not an ‘island of strangers’ but an Island of Solidarity, Friendship, and Welcome.
Together
Pages 6-7
With your support, JRS UK stands alongside refugee friends who face destitution during the asylum process. Our holistic services are co-produced with refugee friends, shaped by their experiences and grounded in restoring dignity and agency to people rebuilding their lives. None of this would be possible without you.
Welcoming friends
Page 8
Mike Smith SJ is often on duty to answer the door at JRS UK. When he opens the door, standing before him is someone seeking peace and hope.
Hello, David!
Page 9
In May we welcomed David to the JRS UK team, and sat down to chat with him about his thoughts on becoming our new Director…
Fairfield
Pages 10-11
The JRS Theatre Group’s latest Production, Fairfield, follows a group of people as their local community centre is threatened with closure. Join us this Refugee Week for their premiere!
Campaign Organising
Page 12
Want to take action for refugees in your community? Join Together with Refugees’ Campaign Organising Network!
Will you build a a community of support for refugees?
By remembering refugees in your Will, you can continue providing support for years to come.
My name is Daniel, and I first arrived in the UK in 2007. I grew up under a dictatorship, in a community that was pushed to the margins. I am from an ethnic group that was denied opportunity under the regime. When the long-standing ruler died in the early 2000s, we protested for our rights, for freedom. But the response was brutal. I had to flee, our I would not be here today.
I decided to go to the UK because I had learnt English through my church. I also deeply respected the values of the British people I met there. For me, the UK represented a place of safety, dignity, and respect.
In the UK, my asylum case stalled, and I lived in destitution for years. I had almost given up, but then I met JRS UK.
From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed not as a burden, but as a human being. They helped me access legal support and my asylum claim was reviewed again. Thanks to their help, after years of fear and waiting, I was finally granted refugee status. JRS UK supporters made that possible.
That’s why I’m asking you today: could you consider leaving a gift in your will to support refugees?
