In this blog, we’re sharing everything you need to know about Refugee Week 2025 – what it’s about, how to get involved in MiltonKeynes, and how to show your support.
Jump to the section you’re most interested in by clicking on the title below:
What is Refugee Week?
Refugee Week 2025 (15–22 June) is nearly here, and here in Milton Keynes we are proud to be joining this UK-wide celebration of compassion, resilience, and shared humanity. The theme this year is “Community as a Superpower“ – a call to recognise the incredible strength that emerges when people come together to support, uplift, and welcome one another. In Milton Keynes, we embrace this theme through various community-led events and initiatives.
Find out more on: refugeeweek.org.uk.
Events in Milton Keynes
Throughout the week, local organisations, community groups and artists will be hosting events that celebrate the voices, cultures, and creativity of people with lived experience of seeking sanctuary – and we invite you to join in.
💻 Ahead of Refugee Week: Exploring Empowerment and Belonging
The Sanctuary Advisory Network at The Open University is holding a special online seminar just ahead of the official start of Refugee Week.
Friday 13 June, 1–2pm: Webinar: Empowerment and Belonging amongst Afghan Refugees.
This special event explored how Afghan refugees are rebuilding their lives in the UK.It was organised by the Sanctuary Advisory Group at the Open Univerity and hosted by Barbara Mayor, Doctoral Supervisor at The Open University and one of the volunteers who led a local refugee support project at The Mead Centre in Newport Pagnell, Milton Keynes, who has been actively engaged in the Refugee Support Network. Speakers included Maryam Rahmani from Womankindyor Worldwide, who shared insights on empowering Afghan women since 2021, and Dr Mir Abdullah Miri from the University of Bath, who spoke about Afghan children’s experiences and how schools can help foster a sense of belonging.
The discussion highlighted the many challenges Afghan women continue to face beyond resettlement, including mental health struggles, family pressures, and difficulties with young people adapting to life in the UK. While initial support often focuses on housing and employment, there is a lack of long-term, culturally sensitive integration services. Much of the meaningful support currently comes from voluntary and community organisations.
Education was seen as a key part of the integration journey, with a strong need for personalised support and empathy within schools.
The session closed with a shared call for better research, stronger systems of support, and more inclusive approaches to help Afghan refugees rebuild with dignity, resilience, and hope.
🎬 Film Screenings at MK Gallery
As part of our work through the Refugee Support Network, we have teamed up with The Open University (University of Sanctuary), MK Gallery, MKIAC, Living Archive, and others to present two inspiring free screening events:
- Tuesday 17 June, 7–9.30pm : Short Films + Community Discussion
A thought-provoking selection of short films exploring the experiences of refugees and forced migrants, including powerful local stories from Living Archive and MKIAC, such as Ikram Malik’s Story and Bassem al Haj’s digital story. Followed by a welcoming discussion featuring contributors with lived experience. Book your ticket here.
- Sunday 22 June, 2–4pm – Screening of Fremont + Author Reading
A screening of Fremont, a quietly humorous and deeply human film about a young Afghan woman starting over in California. The event will also Include a reading from If the Sea Was Ink by author Sonia Saada. It will be MCed by Viktoriya Shtanko, founder of the Ukraine Appeal Charity and a dedicated supporter of the local Ukrainian community. Book your ticket here.
Both screening events will include time for discussion and reflection, which everyone is welcome to join. We are pleased to be joined by community members with lived experience of finding refuge in the UK and Milton Keynes, including local volunteer and activist Frozan Marofi. Frozan came to the UK as a young refugee from Afghanistan and now speaks out to support refugee rights. You can find out more about Frozan on the Living Archive website here.
Both events will include a special Shopper Bag Display, provided by Ukraine Appeal – a small exhibition featuring 12 hand-painted canvas bags created by Ukrainian children who were displaced by the war in 2022. Each bag represents the experience of having to leave home quickly, taking only what could fit in a single bag. The project was led by a Ukrainian psychologist, now a refugee herself, who continues to support children’s wellbeing through creative activities.
Tickets are free, but places are limited – please only book if you’re sure you can attend. Please join us!
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Celebrate in the Parks – 21 June
On 21 June, two vibrant community events take centre stage:
Art in the Park Festival (afternoon/evening at Campbell Park)
Hosted by MKIAC – Milton Keynes Islamic Arts and Culture, this flagship festival showcases live music, dance, spoken word, visual art and workshops, all celebrating the culture, creativity and resilience of refugee communities. Find out more here.
Watch a short film from last year’s festival to see why this is an unmissable event. Watch now.
Yoga Festival (morning at Willen Lake)
Run by Yoga for Health Alliance, this peaceful festival invites all to come together through yoga and mindfulness, promoting connection, wellbeing and shared space in nature. In the spirit of Refugee Week, the festival celebrates unity, healing, and the power of community across all backgrounds. Book your spot here.
Other events and opportunities:
Free Craniosacral Therapy Workshop – Refugee Week Special
Friday 27 June, 10:30 AM–12:30 PM at Age UK Peartree Centre
Take time to relax, reconnect and rebalance with this free, restorative wellbeing session led by UK Welcomes Refugees and local therapist Cherry Cheung. This workshop is aimed at community charity workers, refugee and migrant support organisations, and service users, especially parents and frontline workers. It introduces gentle, practical techniques to support self-care and emotional resilience. Spaces are limited, so we recommend early bookings. Find out more and book your spot.
The OU Open Sanctuary Hub is a space of welcome for refugees, people in the asylum system and anyone in the community. It offers free online courses via OpenLearn in a range of subjects. Find out more here or scan the QR code below.
Portfields Primary in Newport Pagnell, who are the School of Sanctuary, is marking Refugee Week with online author activities on 13 June as part of the ‘Day of Welcome’. They’re also planning an art exhibition, a whole-school assembly, and other activities, all centred on this year’s theme, ‘Community as a Superpower’. The school hopes to collaborate with others to broaden the impact of their events.
More events will be confirmed and added to the growing Refugee Week Milton Keynes programme. Keep an eye on our website and newsletters for updates, and do email us to let us know if you are running an event, so we can add you to this blog contact us at info@communityactionmk.org.
Want to Host an Event?
Refugee Week is for everyone – and anyone can take part. Whether you’re an individual, a school, a faith group or a local organisation, you’re invited to host your own event, however big or small:
Simply theme your regular meeting or activity as part of Refugee Week – Use your usual gatherings as an opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness about refugee experiences and contributions.
Visit the World Refugee Week pillar at MK Rose in Campbell Park – Mark World Refugee Day (20th June) or any day that week with a visit. Take a photo and share it on social media to show your support and raise awareness.
Other ideas…
- Run a storytelling workshop
- Host a shared meal or community concert
- Put on a children’s activity or creative drop-in
- Share a local refugee’s story
Don’t for to Register your event at refugeeweek.org.uk and let us know too, so we can help spread the word!
Useful resources:
Why It Matters
Refugee Week is a celebration, but also a reminder. A reminder of what it means to welcome. A reminder of the power of belonging. And this year, it’s a celebration of the everyday superpower we all share: community.
We want to come together to stand in solidarity with people seeking refuge and sanctuary, and to show that Milton Keynes is a place of hope, connection and opportunity.
Take a moment to watch this short video from last year and see Hei Chow, one of the many local people supporting refugees from Hong Kong and beyond.
Take a moment to watch this short video from last year and see Hei Chow at UK Welcomes Refugees, one of the many local people supporting refugees from Hong Kong and beyond.It’s a heartfelt reminder of the power of community – a thank you to those who come seeking safety, and to those who welcome them with open arms.
Add your voice of support:
We are on: Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Follow us for updates, and don’t forget to tag your Refugee Week posts with:
#RefugeeWeek2025 | #CommunityAsASuperpower | #RefugeeWeekMK
Follow and add your voice to the national Refugee Week Campaign:
- Instagram: @refugeeweekUK
- X (Twitter): @refugeeweek
- Facebook: @refugeeweek
Real Life Stories
Powerful Stories – read these two powerful real life- inspired stories and blogs, shared by our friends at The Open Iniversity
Why I speak of hope – Bath Welcomes Refugees. Written by Mir Abdullah Miri As we approach Refugee Week, I find myself reflecting on how ‘hope’ moves differently for people who have been displaced. For many of us, especially in those first months or even years after arrival, emotions come and go in waves. One day you might feel full of purpose. Read more: www.bathwelcomesrefugees.org.uk |
| Student Stories – The Open Futures Fund: Tinta Alli OU student and scholarship recipient : “I never thought I’d become a refugee.” Tinta, an OU student and scholarship recipient, fled civil war in Côte d’Ivoire after losing his father. It took over 10 years to gain refugee status in the UK, during which he couldn’t study formally. Now studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics, Tinta’s journey is one of resilience, hope, and community support. Read more here. |
Community Action: MK work as part of the Refugee Week 2025 and the Refugee Support Network is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.
