Richmond Council launches grants and celebration event for Refugee Week 2025

Richmond Council is proud to launch a welcoming and inclusive programme of activity to mark Refugee Week 2025, from 16 to 22 June, in partnership with local organisations and community groups.

The week will celebrate the strength and contributions of people seeking sanctuary in Richmond upon Thames, aligned with the national theme, ‘Community as a Superpower’. It is a chance to reflect on what makes the borough special – neighbours supporting one another, people from diverse backgrounds coming together, and a shared commitment to inclusion.

At the heart of the programme is a commitment to supporting grassroots action. Richmond Council is offering Refugee Week grants of up to £2,000, funded through its Borough of Sanctuary Grant Scheme established in 2024. These grants aim to support local groups and organisations to run events that promote understanding, build relationships and bring people together across the borough.

Applications are open until 11 June and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The Council encourages any group supporting those settling in the borough to come forward with their ideas.

A highlight of the week will be the Richmond Refugee Week Celebration evening on Thursday 19 June, organised by the Council. The free, family-friendly event will feature live performances, food from around the world, and stalls from local support organisations.

This year also marks a significant milestone: one year since Richmond was officially recognised as a Borough of Sanctuary – a status that recognises the borough’s commitment to being a place of welcome, safety and support for everyone, especially those who have experienced hardship or displacement.

Cllr Fiona Sacks, Richmond Council’s Sanctuary Champion, said:

“Refugee Week is a powerful opportunity for us to come together as neighbours and recognise the strength, courage and contributions, both to our community and beyond, of those seeking sanctuary.

“This year’s theme, Community as a Superpower, reflects what we see every day in Richmond – people supporting one another, building friendships and creating a borough where everyone can feel safe and valued.

“The support we offer people seeking sanctuary is about all of us. It’s about the kind of community we want to be – welcoming, compassionate and connected. We’re proud to support local groups to shape this week with us and showcase what community strength looks like in action.”

Partner organisations at the 19 June event include Citizens Advice Richmond, Refugees Welcome in Richmond, Multicultural Richmond, Learn English at Home and more. Performances will include the Adanta African Dance Group and the Girls of Stefania, with catering from Prosperity Ukrainian Café & Restaurant in Twickenham and The Syrian Sunflower.

Whether you’ve just arrived in Richmond upon Thames or have called it home for years, Refugee Week is an invitation to connect, celebrate and learn from one another.

Get involved

Apply for a Refugee Week grant.

Register for the 19 June Richmond Refugee Week Celebration on Eventbrite.

Find out more and get involved in Richmond’s Refugee Week activity.