Refugee Week 2025: ‘Community as a Superpower’
Coordinated by Counterpoints Arts, the annual celebration grants a platform for communities to come together, express experiences, share stories and foster understanding through this creative collaborative channel.
Importance of Refugee Week
Established in 1988, taking place around 20 June World Refugee Day, Refugee Week has transformed into a global movement, a nationwide celebration of the contributions, resilience, and creativity of refugees.
It serves as a reminder of the shared humanity that binds us all, prompting open dialogue and challenging misconceptions about migration and displacement. By spotlighting the great positive impact of refugees, the week strives to build inclusive communities where everyone feels appreciated and heard.
Theme for 2025: ‘Community as a Superpower’
The theme for Refugee Week 2025 is “Community as a Superpower”. This motif emphasises the power found in unity, highlighting how ordinary acts of generosity and kindness can create extraordinary change. As bell hooks aptly stated, “We can begin the process of making community wherever we are. We can begin by sharing a smile, a warm greeting, a bit of conversation; by doing a kind deed or by acknowledging kindness offered to us.”
During this Refugee Week, everyone is encouraged to connect with friends and forge new relationships both within and beyond our local communities. Whether it’s through shared meals, outdoor film nights, football games, or making music together, let’s come together to celebrate welcome and belonging—by listening, learning, and laughing side by side.
Local support for refugees & asylum seekers
In Westminster, there are plenty of services available for refugees and asylum seekers, helping them navigate the challenges of resettlement and integration.
- Woodfield Trauma Service (CNWL NHS Foundation Trust): This service offers specialised mental health care for individuals who have experienced trauma, including refugees and asylum seekers. It provides therapeutic support to help clients rebuild their lives and cope with experiences of the past.
- Westminster Wellbeing Hub: The hub offers a range of mental health services for people seeking asylum or with refugee status. It provides access to counselling, support groups, and resources to assist individuals in their journey toward well-being and community integration.
How to get involved
Anyone can participate in Refugee Week by organising or attending events. From art exhibitions and film screenings to community meals and discussions, there are numerous ways to engage. To find events near you or to learn more, visit the official Refugee Week website.
By embracing the theme of ‘Community as a Superpower,’ Refugee Week 2025 invites us all to reflect on the power of community and our collective ability to create a more inclusive and compassionate society.
