Refugee Week 2025: Celebrating Community as a Superpower

4 June 2025

This Refugee Week, we are proudly celebrating a welcoming, inclusive place for all with a packed event calendar. We are also proudly marking one year as an accredited Borough of Sanctuary.

Borough of Sanctuary

On 14 June 2024, Richmond upon Thames officially became a Borough of Sanctuary. This accreditation is awarded to boroughs that go above and beyond to support sanctuary-seeking residents.

Learn more about Richmond’s commitment to sanctuary seekers and our accreditation as a Borough of Sanctuary.

Refugee Week events

Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts and culture festival that honours the contributions, creativity, and resilience of refugees and asylum seekers.

This 16 to 22 June, join us in recognising their strength and stories through inspiring events that celebrate community, connection, and the power of welcome.

Refugee Week book displays

This June, our libraries are showcasing a powerful selection of books that explore the experiences, stories, and contributions of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

You can also explore the collections online:

Funding available for events during Refugee Week and beyond

Richmond upon Thames is proud to be home to a strong, compassionate network of individuals and organisations dedicated to helping sanctuary seekers find safety, dignity, and a true sense of belonging.

To support local participation in Refugee Week, we’re offering grants of up to £2,000 for community groups and organisations to host events and activities.

Funded through our Borough of Sanctuary Grant Scheme, established in 2024, these grants are designed to empower local initiatives that promote understanding, inclusion, and support for people seeking sanctuary.

Find out more about the Refugee Week grants scheme.

Refugee resettlement and support services

Find out about our refugee resettlement and support services, and other refugee support networks in the borough.

Up to: June 2025

Updated: 24 June 2025