Celebrating Refugee Week 2026 in Worcester

Refugee Week 2026 was a wonderful celebration of community, courage and solidarity in Worcester. Across a week of poetry, music, art, films, walks and conversations with the public, Worcester City Welcomes Refugees brought people together in shows of support for refugees and asylum seekers. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who gave their time to organise and take part.

A Week of Welcome

The week opened with a stunning quilt display in the Cathedral, put on by Quilts4You. The exhibition in the Chapter House was outstanding, drawing more than 200 visitors a day. Many of the quilts were made by refugee women from the Evesham Vale Welcomes Refugees Women’s Sewing Group. Poetry readings were organised by Worcestershire LitFest and Fringe, with workshops led by Worcester Craftivists and the CWLC D&T department.

Worcestershire’s new Poet Laureate, Jay Rose Ana, performed Two Plastic Bags, a poem reflecting on what she had seen living in St John’s. It was written specially for the exhibition and can be watched on YouTube.

The following day brought Walk Together up the Malvern Hills, a collaboration between the local Amnesty International group and WCWR — blessed with good weather and lovely company.

On Tuesday, our film night at the Hive, in partnership with the University of Worcester, screened three films exploring different aspects of displacement and the courage of asylum seekers and refugees — from children in Central America to women in a UK detention centre. Migrants (2020), directed by Hugo Caby, Antoine Dupriez, Aubin Kubiak, Lucas Lermytte and Zoé Devise, also highlighted the links between displacement and climate change.

The next evening brought poetry and spoken word at Script Haven, with contributions from WCWR volunteers. Thanks to Leena and to Ade Couper of Worcester Quakers for bringing it together. Script Haven has been part of Refugee Week for four years, and Ade was first involved back in 2018, when the Quakers hosted a tea party for the first Syrian families to arrive in Worcester.

The week closed on Saturday with the Sanctuary Fair, celebrating the diversity of Worcester. It was a chance to talk with the public about courage and what “welcome” really means, once again alongside Amnesty International, sharing stories of courage told by men from the hotel and re-settlement houses.

Community & Donations

June was a busy month, with three refugee families settled in Worcester. The charity supplied bikes to several children and adults, and helped with household items — from beds, mattresses, furniture and a TV to kitchen essentials and even carpet, thanks to Roundabout Evesham. We’re very grateful for the many donations received recently, including phones, iPads, furniture, bedding, kettles and a toaster.

We helped a young family with a new baby access ‘Growbaby’ at the Ronkswood Community Centre, giving them free children’s clothing, toys and nursery equipment.

Working with ‘Action For Children’ at the Buttercup Family Hub, we’ve put together a plan to offer structured support to mums with young children who need extra help. Many mums are isolated, missing the traditional support of an extended family, and can struggle in unfamiliar settings while dads are working.

Severn Arts has received grant funding to start workshops for Afghan women. While this is a short-term project, we’re working with Worcester Mela to find the best ways to support the Afghan community in Worcester.

In the Hotel

Resident numbers have declined over recent months, with many receiving their Leave to Remain and Refugee Status before being moved to Birmingham or elsewhere. A handful have stayed locally. English lessons continue, though sadly the sports activities have been suspended due to low numbers. Volunteering has continued with local charities and retail outlets, and we continue to support individuals — including one resident with MS whom we’ve helped with a better diet.

Thank you for your continuing support, and have a good summer.