This Refugee Week we are exploring the theme of healing.

Healing means recovering from a painful experience or situation, so that we can continue to live. No-one understands this better than those who have lost their homes and had to build new lives from scratch. We have much to learn from refugees about holding onto hope when going on seems impossible – as well as about how art, creativity and community can help us to heal.

Here at Refugee Council, refugees, people seeking asylum, volunteers and staff will be coming together for small local events across the country. Those at our Sheffield allotment projects will be planting seeds, a drop-in centre will be launching in Wakefield and staff will be taking place in an online yoga session.

Refugee Week 2022 is 20–26 June, and you can find a list of events on the Refugee Week website.

If you are looking for a simple way to get involved in celebrating Refugee Week. You could try one of these Simple Acts.

There aren’t many more simple ways to share joy and excitement than sending a message. Throwing a line to another person that says “I’m here, where are you?”, or perhaps “I’m thinking of you – you’re not alone”.

Food can say welcome or hold precious memories. Food says we are neighbours, friends, or chosen family. We are still alive, and we can feel joy. Food is healing. Food is home.

One thing lockdown surely taught us all was how much of a difference a conversation can make. Just saying hello and asking how someone how they are can be all it takes to lift their day.

Ready to go on a journey without leaving your seat?

This Simple Act invites you to learn more about refugee experiences through the magic of film.

Watch with family or friends at home, or hold a screening at your workplace, arts or community space, school – anywhere you like!

Humans have been telling stories for thousands of years, possibly for almost as long as we’ve been able to speak. Stories are a way of making sense of the world and sharing information. They help us better understand other people, and ourselves. And it’s never been easier to pick up a book written in another language, place and time – how magical is that?

The Great Walk Together is Back!

Last Refugee Week, you came together to walk through parks, up mountains and through local history spots.

We’re thrilled to be teaming up with the Jo Cox Foundation again this year to invite you to take part in The Great Walk Together 2022, in celebration of Refugee Week and the Great Get Together.

Whatever we’ve been through, nature can calm and ground us, and help us believe that new beginnings are possible. Reconnecting with the earth can also help us remember our place in the natural world, rediscovering that we are part of nature, and it is part of us.

Refugee Week lasts for seven days, but the movement for a kinder, fairer and more joyful world continues all year round.

Once June is over, we hope you’ll carry the spirit and energy of Refugee Week with you, and continue to walk alongside people on the move.

Every action makes a difference, and when we come together, we are powerful.