Every year, as part of Refugee Week, we let you know of some simple things you can do to help welcome those who have had to seek sanctuary locally. These are suggested by ‘Refugee Week’ colleagues and can be found here but a we have outlined some of them below for you:

Whether it’s just a smile or being open to chat, meeting people is the start of community.

See the world through someone else’s eyes – film transports us to places we’ve never been and experiences we know little about. This year Storyhouse is showing ‘Mediha’ on the 10th of June – following a young Yazidi girl who survived capture under ISIS – and Refugee Week has a number of free films available during the week  – see https://refugeeweek.org.uk/take-part/film-programme/

Find a new perspective by reading a book or a poem or listen to a podcast. Again here is a link from Refugee Week: https://refugeeweek.org.uk/simple-acts/readlisten/  or get ahead of Chester’s Literary Festival and read Dr Waheed Arian’s book ‘In the Wars’.

Try one of the books at your bookclub!

Knowledge can build understanding, strengthen community. This ‘Simple Act’ is about understanding the journeys we all take be they personal, cultural or shared as a community. Find out about your own family migration story; learn about the political history of your own and other countries to deepen compassion and awareness; learn a greeting in another language  – try one spoken by those seeking sanctuary in your community to show respect and welcome.

Refugee Week is only a week event but the world needs year round compassion and equity. Could you volunteer (we always need new voices!); join a campaign; could your business or organisation help connect those seeking sanctuary to employment. For further information see: https://refugeeweek.org.uk/simple-acts/join-the-movement/

Enjoy!