Refugee Week: Courage, Community and Conversation

Refugee Week: Courage, Community and Conversation is a public engagement event organised by York’s Migration Network (MigNet) as part of Refugee Week 2026.

The event brings together a range of refugee-support organisations, community groups, researchers, students, and members of the public. The aim is to foster dialogue, strengthen networks, and create new opportunities for collaboration between those working with and alongside refugees and people seeking asylum. The programme consists of two linked parts: a ‘Connect and Share’ fair, followed by a panel discussion.

Purpose of the event

The event aims to:

• connect local residents with refugee-support organisations and services;
• showcase everyday acts of courage and solidarity within welcoming communities;
• create dialogue between community groups, universities, and the public.

All events will be hosted in the Penn Room at the Friargate Quaker Meeting House.

Part 1: ‘Connect and Share’ Fair

• Time: approximately 10am to 2pm

An informal and open drop-in session bringing together local organisations, community groups, advocates, and researchers working with refugees and people seeking asylum.

Activities include:

• information tables/stalls hosted by participating organisations;
• opportunities for networking and community engagement.

The session enables attendees to learn about local support, ongoing initiatives, and opportunities for involvement.

Part 2: Panel Discussion

• Time: 3pm to 4pm

A panel discussion exploring themes emerging from Refugee Week, particularly courage in welcoming, supporting, and advocating for people seeking sanctuary. The event bridges community engagement with wider academic and policy conversations.

The speakers are TBC. The expected audience includes community members, students, practitioners, academics, and policymakers.

Call for contributors for the Connect and Share Fair are open. Please email Lucy Potter for more information: lucy.potter@york.ac.uk.