Celebrating Refugee Week with Community, Culture and Connection

Refugee Week is a UK-wide festival held each June, close to World Refugee Day (20th June). It’s a time to honour the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking asylum, and to build understanding between communities. 

To mark Refugee Week (16th–22nd June), Volunteer Centre Sutton hosted a heartfelt celebration on 13th June at Oru Sutton, bringing together local residents, volunteers, and people who have sought sanctuary in the borough. 

Our event was a vibrant and uplifting morning, filled with music, poetry, powerful storytelling and moments of shared connection. 

Hosted by our Ukraine Project Coordinator, Nataliya, the event opened with a moving performance from the Ukrainian Folk Choir, who preserve their cultural heritage through traditional song. 

We were privileged to hear personal stories from refugees from Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong—stories of courage, hope and the warm welcome they’ve received in Sutton, which many now proudly call home. 

The morning also featured a rich mix of performances, including a saxophone solo by Volodymyr, a Ukrainian musician whose talent continues to shine thanks to the support of his new community here. 

Guest speakers shared reflections on what it means to stand in solidarity. Adelina from London Borough of Sutton’s Refugee Resettlement Team, Gill from the Salvation Army Church, and several speakers with lived experience—Nadia from Afghanistan and Nataliia from Ukraine—spoke with honesty and strength, helping us better understand the journeys and resilience of those seeking refuge. 

The event closed on a poignant note, with Yana performing a beautiful poem followed by a heartfelt song, leaving everyone in the room deeply moved. 

We are incredibly grateful to all who joined us to celebrate Refugee Week and to everyone who continues to create a welcoming, inclusive Sutton for all.