Many of the young people living with Housing Plus are seeking asylum and this year, they played a central role in Refugee Week, contributing to events across London celebrating resilience, culture, and community. For our young people, including those born in the UK, it was an opportunity both to express themselves and to learn from the experiences of others.
Housing Plus played a central role at Brent’s official Refugee Week event, attended by local dignitaries including the Mayor, Ryan Hack and Georgia Gould OBE, MP and Minister for School Standards at the DfE. Our now infamous Mocktail Bar was back in business, with the young people serving creative, alcohol-free drinks to much acclaim!
Several guests commented it was: ‘The best stand at the event’, with many mistaking it for a professional bar set-up. Our young people’s confidence and hospitality ensured HP’s contribution was a highlight in celebrations, which also featured performances by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, dance workshops, refugee-led catering, and community discussions.
At the Afghan Summer Festival in Hounslow many of our young people reconnected with familiar traditions, while others were introduced to new cultures and histories. Organised by the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association to mark its 25th anniversary, the event saw a line-up of internationally acclaimed musicians, traditional dance, food stalls, exhibitions, and family activities and was a vibrant celebration of Afghan and Central Asian heritage. One key worker supporting the young people there commented:
“This event really captured the spirit of Refugee Week: cultural exchange, learning, and celebration and was universally enjoyed by the young people”.
The Museum of Homelessness, Finsbury Park, is building the national collection for homelessness, preserving and sharing histories of homelessness, poverty and social action. Visiting during Refugee Week, our young people watched a film and participated in storytelling sessions, asking thoughtful questions, and reflecting on both the challenges and importance of grassroots responses to housing insecurity. Afterwards, we treated the group to a delicious Ethiopian meal at a popular local restaurant, where they continued their reflections on resilience, rights, and advocacy.
