Good Neighbours

04/03/2026

Mimi Jalmasco came to the UK from the Philippines to support her family - a decision that led to years of separation from her children and surviving modern slavery.

Today, she is using her voice to challenge harmful narratives about migrants and to fight for the rights of domestic workers across the UK.

18/02/2026

After arriving in the UK, Mamadou met an older couple who were struggling with a problem in their home. He shares how that encounter shaped his understanding of connection and belonging.

21/02/2024

🎉Market Street was buzzing with Lunar New Year celebrations earlier this month, as Manchester celebrated diversity at a Multicultural Lunar New Year fair organised by Hongkongers 🧧✨

The fair showcased over 40 stalls filled with delights from different Asian countries, such as cuisines and crafts from Hong Kong, Korea and Taiwan. 🎶Music and dance performances mesmerised the crowds, adding to the lively atmosphere and community partners enriched the event with engaging activities like Fai chun giveaways, face painting, balloon making and interactive games with children.

🔎The fair was also full of Informative display boards offering fascinating insights into Lunar New Year traditions worldwide, fostering understanding and unity 🌎

Did you make it to the Lunar New Year fair?
TTrafford Hongkongers CIC 🎉🐉

17/02/2024

🧡‘Given the chance, we know communities like ours go the extra mile to welcome refugees – opening our homes, volunteering, speaking up, and donating. And, given the chance, refugees do so much to enrich our society as they build new lives.’🌟 🏡

This Valentine’s Day, Kent united to advocate for a fair new plan, sharing love and solidarity to those seeking sanctuary. Organised Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN)AN) as part of the campaign alongsiTogether With Refugeesees , the campaign aims to send a resounding message to political leaders that refugees are welcome in our communities.🗣️🤝

Read more⬇️

The campaign asks for a proper strategy for welcoming refugees by ensuring fair and rapid decision

16/02/2024

Granton Community Gardeners held an amazing Community Ceilidh to celebrate Burns Night in Edinburgh last month! The night was filled with live music, dancing, poetry and incredible performances from The Homecoming String Band, Ama-zing Harmonies, Ukrainian Children's Choir and more! 🎶💃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇦

Events like this showcase the spirit of unity in our local communities 🌟

04/02/2024

🤝🌳’The planting is important because it’s something that they’re doing together – planting their roots in a symbolic way.’

🇺🇦Ukrainian refugees in Caerphilly came together to thank the local community for warmly opening their homes and hearts over the last two years. Along with residents and local politicians they planted apple, pear, and cherry trees in the park to create the new Ukrainian Gratitude Orchard.🌱

‘It really means a lot. It makes them feel more a part of the community, which is very important for displaced people.’ Said Yuliia, who fled her home town in Eastern Ukraine in April 2022.

Wonderful to see communities where everyone feels at home!🏡🧡Let's continue fostering unity and welcome for all.

Ukrainian refugees living in Caerphilly have planted fruit trees in Morgan Jones Park to thank the community for its support.

02/02/2024

🌟It was a full house at Maryhill Integration Network's Burns Night Celebration!

100 people from all walks of life came together to mark Burns Night, the celebration of the life and poetry of Scottish poet Robert Burns.

🎉📖 Artists, poets, and writers shared their creations, including the timeless poetry of Robert Burns.

Local actor Tam Dean Burn added a special touch, singing Robert Burns songs’ and reciting poetry. The night continued with a lively Scottish ceilidh, led by the renowned accordionist Gary Blair, ending with a delicious meal from the Middle East. 🎶🍛
A wonderful blend of cultures and creativity, making Burns Night an unforgettable evening! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿✨

Share the festivity and send us photos of your Burns Night celebrations in the comments 👇

31/01/2024

🌟 A celebration of bridging communities at Prestwich restaurant Celia's Kitchen!

The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester's annual kosher meal brought together people from muslim, Jewish and other faiths and cultures, including the Deputy Mayor, Kate Green, and 86-year-old Holocaust survivor Tomi Komoly.

‘Members of the Muslim and Jewish communities were joined by people of other faiths and cultures to enjoy excellent food and good company. The evening highlighted the value of the Muslim Jewish Forum which brings our diverse communities together especially at a time when world events continue to present enormous challenges.’ Said executive member, Cllr Rabnawaz Akbar.

The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester fosters cultural and social connections between Muslim and Jewish communities. 🕊️

Through shared meals and conversations, they’re building solidarity, reminding us of the power of these gatherings to bridge communities. 🍽️🤝

Are there lots of great events like this bridging communities in your area? Let us know!📧

27/01/2024

‘I truly believe that most people in this country are hospitable. If people put themselves in the position of those forced to flee their home, and the terrible choices that often involves, they will be sympathetic and supportive.’

This Holocaust Memorial Day🕯️, and every day, we remember the thousands of people who sought refuge in the UK and how we must continue to help and welcome those fleeing violence and persecution.

Helen Singer’s parents both came to Britain as refugees from N**i Germany. She reflects on how their journey influenced her work supporting others seeking sanctuary in Hertfordshire with local charity Herts Welcomes Refugees, the importance of telling their stories, and how we can better support those in search of refuge in the UK today.🧡



Read ➡️

Helen Singer reflects on how her parents journeys as refugees from N**i Germany influenced her work supporting refugees in Hertfordshire.

26/01/2024

‘From a Scottish perspective, as a nation, we should be opening our arms to people from all over the world in a spirit of partnership and this exactly is what I have seen here today.’

🎉Amazing Community Spirit in East Kilbride!🌍

The newly formed East Kilbride Integration Network (EKin) welcomed the town’s asylum seekers and refugees to an inspiring first meeting. They came from all over the world with Yemen, Libya, Syria, Eritrea, Turkey, Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, Ukraine, Iran and Georgia all represented at the meeting where they shared their aspirations for integrating and contributing to Scottish society.

Ibrahim, an English teacher from Sudan said ‘It is wonderful to be located here in East Kilbride and we want to get involved in the life of the community in any way we can.’

From sharing experiences to exploring local opportunities for leisure, training, and volunteering, the event was a beacon of hope and partnership.



Read:

East Kilbride Integration Network (EKin) discussed ways in which the town's asylum seekers can further integrate and contribute to their new community in East Kilbride

24/01/2024


🌳Sanctuary seekers from Asylum Link Merseyside’s project teamed up with the North Wales Wildlife Trust for a special tree-planting initiative in Denbighshire! 🌿

Helen Mark from BBC Radio 4’s Open Country joined them, hearing stories from refugees who often lack access to the countryside, and how initiatives like this have a positive impact on their mental health as they are not allowed to work while they wait for a decision on their asylum claim.

They spent the day working alongside local conservation volunteers from the nearby village of Tremeirchion, sharing food, stories and songs.🤝🎶

🎧Listen to the episode now: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001tqsk

Photos by Ahmed Nadi.

20/01/2024

People stand 🧡

‘We need to demonstrate to those in power that actually most of us have humanity in buckets. The people I meet as I go about my everyday life seem to me, in the main, to be kind, generous, empathetic.’

‘My sympathy for refugees doesn’t just come from our experience, but it’s my hope that we can help people find their footing and maybe one day when they’re in a better place, they can have the chance to pay it forward.’

‘Helping refugees helps our country, the economy and health system.’

Readers share their reasons for donating to The Guardian's 2023 appeal for refugees and people seeking asylum. Read👇

More than 11,500 people have given to our 2023 appeal for refugees and asylum seekers. Here, some share their reasons• Donate to our appeal here