Community as a superpower! Celebrating Refugee Week

We were delighted to be involved with events this weekend for Refugee Week.  On Saturday the event we held in celebration of Refugee Week truly highlighted community as a superpower. In a wonderful collaboration between Herts Welcomes Refugees, HAWA Multicultural Services, and Amnesty International, we brought together 74 people — 48 of whom were refugees and asylum seekers from across the globe — for an uplifting afternoon of games, crafts, food, and meaningful conversation.

Volunteers from Amnesty International, Herts Welcomes Refugees, HAWA and the local community generously gave their time and energy to make the event a great success.

The atmosphere was vibrant and inclusive, with entertainment provided by Jester Jim and Hazy Dazy, whose performances and interactive activities kept everyone engaged and laughing. The children especially enjoyed making colourful paper chains — a creative and symbolic reminder that, despite our differences, we are all connected.

A big thank you to Communities 1st for organising minibus transport, ensuring that everyone who wished to attend could do so with ease.

We are deeply grateful to Amnesty International for their generous funding, without which this event would not have been possible.
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Families from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Eritrea, the Caribbean, Syria, and other countries joined in the celebration. Many shared how much they and their children enjoyed the day, describing it as a joyful, welcoming experience that left them feeling uplifted and valued.
 

Also as part of Refugee Week, volunteers and refugees took part in the charity DENS’ 5 mile circular woodland walk on Saturday following a route from Berkhamsted Castle through the Ashridge Estate.

DENS is a Dacorum based charity that supports local people who are facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion.  Our Dacorum team work closely with them to support refugees and asylum seekers who need their services.  

The walk seemed a great way to fulfil the Refugee Week Community as a Superpower theme and aim of 'spending time with friends and build new connections in and beyond our neighbourhoods'.   

Volunteer Kate reported back:  “The DENS walk was a great success. 22 refugees and asylum seekers took part in the walk accompanied by seven volunteers. Another three volunteers supported by providing a welcome back lunch at a local church hall.   The walk and the lunch provided a lovely opportunity for refugees, asylum seekers and volunteers to get to know each other better in a relaxed way, as well as providing an opportunity to get out into the countryside and contribute to a community good cause.  There were lots of conversations around the history of the castle and the town, what motivates people to take part in charity fundraising events and the differences between the UK and their home countries.  It was a good community experience for everyone.” 

The event would not have been possible without the support of Dacorum Borough Council who were eager to help us to celebrate Refugee Week.

Here is some feedback from a young man who took part: 
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“Yesterday was a great day, and I was very happy.  I really enjoyed being with everyone. I could see the happiness on people's faces too. Thank you so much for bringing that joy to all of us.” 

And volunteer Sue reported “Such an enjoyable day where we just had the time to chat and get to know each other a little better in a beautiful and tranquil environment!” 

And on Sunday we were at St Albans Museum, a great chance to meet with other groups working with refugees and a giant paper chain was made, with our superpowers!  Pictured here are volunteers Helen and Alwynne and children at our colouring table, along with the Mayor Councillor Teresa Heritage and all of us with the paper chain! ​