Community organisations supported by Ealing Council have lined up a series of Refugee Week events to celebrate the contributions, creativity, and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.
Refugee Week is being celebrated from 16 to 22 June and this year’s theme, ‘Community as a Superpower’ highlights the importance that simple acts of kindness and generosity have in the community.
Residents and voluntary, community and faith organisations in the borough have already helped the council to develop its Borough of Sanctuary strategy, which was announced in April.
The council is working with Ealing Sanctuary Forum to support community organisations to host events during Refugee Week. Funding for the events came from the government.
Event highlights include:
Tuesday 17 June
The Centre for Armenian Information and Advice held an event for refugees, asylum seekers and the wider community. They had information and advice stalls, live music, refreshments and guest speakers.
Home Start Ealing invited people to play board games and pin a flag on a world map as part of Refugee Week celebrations at the town square in Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre.
Thursday 19 June
John Perryn Primary School in Acton is inviting the wider community to join its Refugee Week event from 2pm to 4pm to celebrate the strength, culture and resilience of refugee families in the school and area. Pupils will be working on an art project during the week and sharing it at the event which will also have music, food and community spirit. To attend, email: familysupport@johnperryn.ealing.sch.uk
Bring your instrument along to Hanwell Community Library and join a musical celebration from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Everyone is welcome to play along or listen.
Horn of Africa Disability and Elderly Association (HADEA) will run a Roots & Routes: Stories of Strength and Belonging” is a community storytelling initiative. The project aims to unite newly arrived refugees and those settled in the UK for years. The initiative will culminate in a community showcase at 1 Bayham Road, West Ealing from 11am to 3pm, featuring personal stories from refugees. There will also be musical performances and food inspired by settled refugees. For more information call 07980 614 391 or email info@hadea.org.uk.
Friday 20 June
Ealing and Acton Support Enterprise and University of West London are hosting a free screening of the film, Life is Beautiful: A Letter to Gaza, at Act One Cinema in Acton, at 6pm followed by live music in the lounge.
Saturday 21 June
The charity, Hikayetna, promises a vibrant, family-friendly cultural celebration of the resilience, contributions, and heritage of the Syrian community in the borough. The idea of home will be explored through storytelling, food, music, and art at the event in Act One Cinema from 5pm to 7pm.
BRIDGE for Ukrainians charity will celebrate the Ukrainian tradition of Ivana Kupala (Midsummer) with wreath-making workshops, craft sessions, folk music and traditional food. They will also launch a buddying programme for settled Ukrainians to offer support to refugees who have newly-arrived in area. Celebrations take place from 11am to 2pm at Perceval House, 14-16 Uxbridge Road, Ealing. Register on Eventbrite to attend.
Tuesday 24 June
Join an afternoon of poetry, music, Qigong Chinese exercise, dance and a talk by local vicar, Jon Westall at Acton Library from 2pm to 4pm.
Council leader, Peter Mason said: “As a Borough of Sanctuary, Ealing is proud to be a place of welcome and diversity. These events provide a platform for sharing stories of strength and belonging, fostering understanding, and building a more inclusive society. We invite all residents to join us in showing support and empathy with refugees, and to experience the rich cultural diversity that makes this borough a vibrant and welcoming place.”
Blerina Hashani, the council’s cabinet member for thriving communities said: “Our programme of events for Refugee Week not only provide a valuable source of support and information but also offer a wonderful opportunity to forge new friendships and immerse oneself in diverse cultures.”
The Borough of Sanctuary strategy is available on the council’s website.
