Refugee Support Group

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Refugee Support Group Helping refugees and asylum seekers rebuild their lives in Berkshire since 1994 💚

A message from our CEO, Najwa Al Abdallah 💚As we join Reading Council in marking Hate Crime Awareness Week, we at Refug...
17/10/2026

A message from our CEO, Najwa Al Abdallah 💚

As we join Reading Council in marking Hate Crime Awareness Week, we at Refugee Support Group are committed to building a community where everyone feels safe, valued and welcomed.

We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Inspired by our work supporting refugees and people seeking sanctuary, our newly opened Sanctuary Café is more than just a café. It is a warm, welcoming space where people can come together, connect and feel a sense of belonging.

This Hate Crime Awareness Week, we want to remind anyone experiencing hate, whether online or in person, that you do not have to suffer in silence. Help and support are available.

Together, we can challenge hate, stand up against discrimination and build a more inclusive Reading.

💚 Watch our CEO's message to find out more 👇 . https://youtube.com/shorts/rCtghiHf_Oo

Experiencing hate crime or need advice? Call the STOP HATE LINE on 0800 138 1625 or visit https://www.stophateuk.org/report-hate-crime3/tell-us/ for confidential support and information.

This weekend, we're bringing together the delicious flavours of Indian and Portuguese cuisine at Sanctuary Café! Fancy t...
16/10/2026

This weekend, we're bringing together the delicious flavours of Indian and Portuguese cuisine at Sanctuary Café!

Fancy trying something a little different? We've got some Goan-inspired treats waiting for you. 😋

🍤 What's on the menu?
🥟 Portuguese prawn rissóis
🌱 Goan vegetable puffs
🍗 Chicken samosas

⏳ Available this weekend only! Don't leave it too late — pop in and grab your favourites before they're all gone!

📍 Find us at: Sanctuary Café, RISC, 35–39 London Street, Reading

☕ Tuesday–Friday: 8am–2pm
☕ Saturday: 8am–4pm

Bring your appetite and make us part of your weekend plans! ❤️

🍂 WHAT'S ON AT REFUGEE SUPPORT GROUP 💚From thought-provoking exhibitions and vibrant live music to cosy café evenings an...
16/10/2026

🍂 WHAT'S ON AT REFUGEE SUPPORT GROUP 💚

From thought-provoking exhibitions and vibrant live music to cosy café evenings and festive celebrations, there’s plenty to look forward to this autumn and winter!

📅 Save the dates:

📸 24 October — From Gaza: A Personal Story of Survival
🎤 7 November — Universal Groove Festival
🎶 4 December — Café After Dark
🎄 18 December — Christmas Carol Concert (Reading Minster Church, St Mary’s Butts, Reading RG1 2LG)

Whether you're joining us for an event or simply popping into Sanctuary Café for a tasty treat and a cuppa, we'd love to see you!

🎟️ Find event details and book your tickets via our events link- https://refugeesupportgroup.org.uk/newsandevents/

📌 Save this post and share it with someone you'd love to bring along!

Reading, are you ready for some festive cheer? 🎄The countdown is on! Join Refugee Support Group and the BBC Songs of Pra...
15/10/2026

Reading, are you ready for some festive cheer? 🎄

The countdown is on! Join Refugee Support Group and the BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year 2019 for an evening of uplifting Christmas carols and live music.

📅 Friday 18 December 2026
📍 Reading Minster Church, RG1 2LG
🚪 Doors open: 6:30pm | Concert: 7–8:30pm

🎟️ EARLY BIRD TICKETS — BOOK NOW!
⭐ Premium: £25 — SOLD OUT
🟢 Standard · £18 · AVAILABLE
🟠 Concession · £15 · LIMITED AVAILABILITY

🎫 Secure your ticket before early-bird prices end on 31st October
👉 https://readingrefugeesupportgroup.beaconforms.com/form/a66dbf65

Bring your friends and family for a festive night of music while supporting Refugee Support Group’s vital work.

14/10/2026

MEET US ON THE DANCE FLOOR, READING! 🌍

The sound of Universal Groove is calling! 🔥

This time, hear from kah'nya music who’ll be bringing her unique sound to the stage for an evening celebrating music, culture and the power of bringing people together.

📣 Reading, let's show up for live music and local talent!

Gather your friends, discover something new and be part of a night that gives back.

💚 Every ticket supports Refugee Support Group and its work with refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

📅 Saturday 7 November 2026
🕖 7pm
📍 RISC, 35–39 London Street, Reading
🎟️ Just £7 per ticket!

The date is approaching, so don't leave it until the last minute. Secure your tickets today! 👇
🎫 https://readingrefugeesupportgroup.beaconforms.com/form/62998db7

Your December evening plans? We’ve got them covered. 🎶🍷Have you booked your place for Café After Dark yet?On Friday 4 De...
14/10/2026

Your December evening plans? We’ve got them covered. 🎶🍷

Have you booked your place for Café After Dark yet?

On Friday 4 December, Sanctuary Café is setting the scene for an intimate evening of live music, delicious food and Fairtrade w**e.

🎶 Live music from DeepSonics
🫒 A delicious antipasto platter
🍷 Fairtrade w**es to sample, with bottles available to buy

Whether you're catching up with friends or looking for a relaxed pre-Christmas night out, join us for an evening of great music, food and company.

📅 Friday 4 December | 7pm–10pm
📍 Sanctuary Café, 35–39 London Street, Reading, RG1 4PS

🎟️ less than 30 seats available — book now to secure your place!-
https://readingrefugeesupportgroup.beaconforms.com/form/0b2f16fa

Don't leave it until the last minute. We’d love to see you there!

Have You Registered? 📸 From Gaza: A Personal Story of Survival. On Saturday 24 October, Gaza-born photographer Ahmed A...
13/10/2026

Have You Registered?

📸 From Gaza: A Personal Story of Survival.

On Saturday 24 October, Gaza-born photographer Ahmed Abu Aisha will share the powerful stories behind his photographs, drawing on his experience of surviving seven months of war in Gaza.

Join us to hear his personal testimony, explore Palestinian culture, and discover traditional Tatreez embroidery and Palestinian food available on the evening.

📅 Saturday 24 October 2026
🕕 6pm
📍 RISC, 35–39 London Street, Reading, RG1 4PS
🎟️ FREE ENTRY — advance registration required

The event is fast approaching, so if you haven't secured your free ticket yet, now is the time!

👉 Grab your FREE ticket here- https://readingrefugeesupportgroup.beaconforms.com/form/233d9a38

Come and hear the stories behind the photographs.

Emerging artist Chïlö brings African influences and contemporary sounds together, sharing music rooted in strength, hope...
12/10/2026

Emerging artist Chïlö brings African influences and contemporary sounds together, sharing music rooted in strength, hope and self-belief.

Her message? Stand tall. Embrace your journey. The time is now. 🌍🎶

Catch Chïlö live at Universal Groove Festival on Saturday 7 November at RISC, Reading. 🌍🎶
🎟️ Tickets: £7 https://readingrefugeesupportgroup.beaconforms.com/form/62998db7

📍 RISC, 35–39 London Street, Reading
🕖 7pm

If you are visiting the Sanctuary Café, take a moment to look around… you might spot something you love. 👀✨We’re current...
11/10/2026

If you are visiting the Sanctuary Café, take a moment to look around… you might spot something you love. 👀✨

We’re currently showcasing the work of local artist Brenda Goodchild, aka Miss Goodchild — and her vibrant, expressive artwork is bringing a little extra colour to the café.

Brenda is passionate about making art accessible and is involved in creative initiatives with schools and communities across the local area. ❤️

And the best part? The artwork on display is available to buy. 🖼️

So next time you’re at the Sanctuary Café, grab a coffee, take a look around and discover the work of a talented local artist.

📍 Sanctuary Café, RISC, 35–39 London Street, Reading
☕ Tuesday–Friday: 8am–2pm | Saturday: 8am–4pm

Come for the coffee. Stay for the art. 💛

09/10/2026

In collaboration with University of Reading, Refugee Support Group is proud to showcase Portraits of Resilience — a photographic exhibition sharing the unique and personal stories of people seeking sanctuary.

Words can tell us about someone’s journey. But sometimes, a portrait can communicate something that words cannot quite capture.
Too often, stories about refugees and people seeking sanctuary are reduced to headlines, and statistics. Portraits of Resilience invites us to look beyond that.
To see the person and recognise their experiences, and hardships, but also their hopes, talents, strength and humanity.

An exhibition like this gives us something increasingly rare: the opportunity to pause. To look. To listen. To reflect.

We are particularly pleased that these stories are being shared at the University of Reading Library, giving students, staff and visitors the opportunity to encounter these powerful portraits and the people behind them.

A special thanks to University of Reading and Dr. Unis Nisa for helping make this exhibition possible.

📍 University of Reading Library – Main Campus
📅 28 September to 13 October 2026

If you’re on campus, take a moment to stop by.

Address

Reading

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+441189505356

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