Refugees at Home

16/06/2026

We’re incredibly grateful to The Independent for kicking off with an incredibly generous partnership that will help us do even more for refugee and people seeking asylum across the UK.

These are critical times for those seeking sanctuary, and the organisations supporting them, and we couldn’t be more appreciative.

You can read more about The Independent’s support here.
https://www.independentadvertising.com/the-independent-marks-refugee-week-and-world-refugee-day-with-partnerships-supporting-refugees-in-the-uk-and-us/

As part of this partnership, our COO and interim CEO, Carly Whyborn, has written for the newspaper about the acts of kindness that represent our country far more than the mobs targeting migrants with threats and violence.
https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/uk-refugee-week-charity-sanctuary-b2996004.html

Every day, ordinary people across the UK are opening their homes to refugees. They represent our communities far more than the mobs targeting migrants with threats and violence, says Carly Whyborn

15/06/2026

This , we stand 🧡

This Refugee Week, thanks to our volunteers, we’re proud to be a part of some incredible events across the UK.

We’ll also be sharing some of the stories about our courageous guests and hosts, and the difference that Refugees at Home has made in their lives.

Join us.

11/06/2026

A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers who set up and ran their own Refugees at Home stalls last weekend.

Bristol host Kate spent Saturday meeting people at the Bristol Refugee Festival, and on Sunday, hosts Lindy and Kate were a part of Manchester Volunteers Fair, where they were visited by one of Kate's former guests, and the Lord Mayor of Manchester.

If you’re interested in helping us spread the word about hosting in your local area we’d love to hear from you! Let us know and we’ll be in touch to provide support and any promotional materials you might need.

08/06/2026

As of today, our guests have spent a combined total of 800,000 nights staying with our hosts – each one a night where they might otherwise have been sleeping rough.

We couldn’t be prouder of this incredible milestone, made possible by everyone who has supported us over the last 10 years.

From our hosts and home visitors to supporters, trustees, and staff, none of this would have happened without you.

If you’d like to help us reach our next milestone, visit our website to find out some of the ways you can make a difference to the lives of refugees and people seeking asylum.

07/06/2026

We asked our volunteers what being a Refugees at Home host means to them.

Here are some of their answers ❤️

If you're considering joining our community of volunteers but still have queries or concerns, visit our website to find out more information. Here, you can read more of our hosts’ experiences, arrange a call with a member of our team, or sign up to host!

05/06/2026

Just over two weeks to go until our special screening of the Sundance award-winning documentary, Everybody to Kenmure Street.

Blending re-enactments with crowd-sourced footage, the film recounts the infamous May 2021 Home Office raid in Pollokshields, Scotland, and the successful act of civil resistance that followed.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with local hosts exploring how opening your home to those seeking sanctuary is another way you can resist growing anti-migrant sentiment.

📍 Phoenix Cinema, 52 High Rd, London, N2 9PJ

🗓️ Sunday 21st June 2026, 14:00 - 16:30
Book your tickets at: https://www.phoenixcinema.co.uk/PhoenixCinemaLondon.dll/WhatsOn?f=532186

03/06/2026

This week is - a national celebration of the incredible contribution volunteers make to the lives of people across the UK.

We currently have over 1,600 active hosts – each one a volunteer eager to open their home and make a difference for those coming to the UK in search of safety.

One of these volunteers is Mark who, after being inspired by a talk about refugees, and his own faith, has been hosting with us for the last four years.

He said: “I live on my own in a two-bedroom flat in London and, while family and friends often come to stay, it does seem a bit of a waste to not make any use of it. The war in Ukraine was a real trigger, and it made me think I should be doing something.

“If you’ve got the facilities and the desire to help then whatever worries you might have, don’t let it hold you back! Try it out. Do a short placement and see how it goes. You could get a lot from it. Not only are you helping someone, but you've got someone from a completely different culture, in your home. It’s just so interesting and rewarding."

Read more about Mark’s experiences, and find out more about hosting with us, on our website:
https://refugeesathome.org/case-study/its-helpful-to-know-that-you-are-not-on-your-own/

01/06/2026

We’re all set for a busy weekend as some of our amazing volunteers and team will be out and about at three different events to spread the word about our work.

If you're at any of the following, come along to say hello and find out more about Refugees at Home:

Saturday 6 June
📍 Brockley Max – 12pm – 6pm
Join us at Max in the Park – Brockley Max’s all-day community festival featuring music, art workshops, storytelling, crafts, food, and more.

📍 Manchester Volunteers Fair 11am – 4pm
We’ll have a stall at Volunteer Centre Manchester’s event where you can meet with organisations looking for volunteers to help make a meaningful difference in the local community.

Sunday 7 June
📍 Bristol Refugee Festival – 12pm – 6pm
Join us at Bristol Beacon for Be Kind - a day celebrating the many cultures, traditions and stories that shape the city. Co-created and co-delivered by people with lived experience, the day will feature music and art workshops, a curated programme of international films and live performances from amazing local artists.



📸 Brockley Max photo: SwanAround

29/05/2026

⚽ Enter our giveaway to win an Arsenal shirt signed by Declan Rice ⚽

Following the team’s historic Premier League win, we’re offering you the chance to win a 2023-2024 home shirt signed by the star midfielder.

By entering our prize draw online from as little as £10, you could win a piece of football history ahead of the midfielder representing England in the 2026 World Cup.

All proceeds help to support our work matching refugees and people seeking asylum with hosts across the UK.

The shirt comes with a certificate of authenticity, and you can enter as many times as you’d like before the competition closes on Friday 19 June.

Enter the draw at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/official-arsenal-shirt-signed-by-declan-rice

28/05/2026

This year’s Refugee Week takes place on 15-21 June and the theme for 2026 is courage.

From the courage of our guests starting a new life in a strange country, to our hosts doing something extraordinary – this year’s theme perfectly encapsulates the people we connect with.

This year, we’re proud to be a part of some incredible events marking the occasion up and down the country, and we’d love you to join us if you’re able to!

📍 Monday 15 June – Wakefield - Stories of Refuge and Welcome at Wakefield Cathedral
We’ve got a stall during the daytime showcase event, and the Bishop of Wakefield and host Malcolm Chamberlain is chairing a panel discussion about ways people can support refugees.

📍 [CANCELLED] Wednesday 17 June – Reading – Film screening at Reading Biscuit Factory
The independent cinema and community hub has organised their own Refugee Week Film Festival screening, featuring a selection of short films and pop-ups from charities supporting refugees in the area.
https://www.readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk/movie/refugee-week-film-festival-shorts/

📍 Thursday 18 June – Manchester - University of Manchester Staff Refugee Week Celebration
Two of our hosts are running an information stand about Refugees at Home at the University of Sanctuary’s special on-campus Refugee Week event.
https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/news/display/?id=33992

📍 [CANCELLED] Thursday 18 June –Embrace NI online information session
We’ve partnered with our friends at Embrace NI for a Refugee Week host information session focusing on the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/K68D5SCEQhaXwdWSLIzVqQ #/registration

📍 Sunday 21 June – London – Everybody to Kenmure Street screening and panel
We’ve organised a special screening of Felipe Bustos Sierra’s acclaimed documentary at the Phoenix Cinema, with a panel discussion featuring some of our team and hosts.
https://www.phoenixcinema.co.uk/PhoenixCinemaLondon.dll/WhatsOn?f=532186

📍 Sunday 21 June – Leeds - Mafwa Midsummer Festival
Mafwa Theatre's annual Refugee Week celebration returns with performances, workshops, exhibitions, and more.
We’ll be there with an information stand so you can find out more about opening your home.
https://www.mafwatheatre.co.uk/events/mafwa-midsummer-free-refugee-week-festival

📍 Saturday 27 June – Sheffield – Migration Matters Festival
Members of our Sheffield Hub have organised an information stand at the festival’s Outdoor Stage event.
https://www.migrationmattersfestival.co.uk/programme/outdoorstage