Refugee Week 2026: Finding Courage in Community
This year’s Refugee Week theme was Courage, and throughout the week we saw countless examples of what courage looks like in practice: people coming together, building connections, sharing experiences, and creating spaces where everyone feels they belong.
The week culminated on World Refugee Day with a special celebration for members of Waterloo Community Counselling’s Refugee Social Group, bringing together our largest group ever for a day of connection, creativity and community across London.
A Long-Awaited Visit to the London Eye
For years, many members of our Refugee Social Group had talked about wanting to visit the London Eye. This Refugee Week, that wish finally became a reality.
On a beautiful sunny day, our group gathered for a ride on one of London’s most iconic landmarks. As we rose above the city, attendees shared in the experience of seeing London from a new perspective, taking in sweeping views of the capital that many now call home.
Following our trip on the London Eye, we headed to Jubilee Gardens for a relaxed picnic in the shade. The afternoon offered something for everyone. Some enjoyed games of football and ball games, while others chose quieter activities, sketching the scenery around them or reflecting on this year’s Refugee Week theme through poetry.
Some participants wrote moving haikus inspired by the idea of courage, capturing in just a few words experiences of resilience, hope and belonging.
Celebrating Together
Later in the afternoon, we made our way to Circe’s Rooftop, whose generosity helped make the day so memorable.
With food, drinks and spectacular views across the city, the rooftop provided the perfect setting for a celebration of our community. The event included speeches from WCC staff and two long-standing members of our Refugee Social Group, who shared reflections on their journeys and the importance of community in their lives.
Moments like these remind us why spaces for connection matter so much. Beyond providing opportunities for social activities, our Refugee Social Group offers a place where people can build friendships, support one another, and feel part of a welcoming community.
The Courage That Comes From Community
Refugee Week 2026 focused on the theme of Courage. While courage is often thought of as an individual quality, we know that it rarely exists in isolation.
Courage grows from connection. It is nurtured through relationships, strengthened through solidarity, and sustained when people know they are not alone.
Every week, we see this collective courage within our Refugee Social Group. It can be found in the conversations between people from different cultures and backgrounds, in the willingness to reach out and make new connections, and in the mutual support that develops when people share experiences and learn from one another.
This message feels particularly important at a time when many refugees and people seeking asylum continue to face hostile rhetoric, uncertainty, discrimination, and, in some cases, threats of violence. Against this backdrop, creating spaces of welcome and belonging is more important than ever.
Coming together in community, celebrating our shared humanity, and standing in solidarity with one another are all acts of courage.
Thank You
This special day would not have been possible without the support of staff and student volunteers from the London School of Economics and LSE Volunteer Centre, whose enthusiasm and commitment helped make the event such a success.
We would also like to thank Circe’s Rooftop for their incredible hospitality and generosity in hosting our celebration.
Most importantly, thank you to all the members of our Refugee Social Group who joined us and continue to make the group such a welcoming, vibrant and inspiring community.