The Royal Borough of Greenwich is marking Refugee Week 2025, a national initiative celebrating the strength, resilience, and vibrancy that refugees and people seeking sanctuary bring to the borough. The national theme this year is ‘community as a superpower’ so there are a variety of community events throughout the week (Monday 16 to Sunday 22 June) for everyone to get involved in.

As a proud Borough of Sanctuary, we are committed to being a welcoming place of safety for people fleeing violence and persecution. We are working with residents, schools, businesses, community groups, and local partners to encourage a culture of compassion, inclusion, and opportunity, where everyone, regardless of background, feels they belong.

A council spokesperson said:

“This year’s theme reminds us that our greatest strength lies in our diversity and solidarity. Refugee Week is a chance to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. We’re proud to be a Borough of Sanctuary and we have welcomed hundreds of people to our borough in the last few years. It’s our goal to ensure refugees, asylum seekers and migrants can fulfil their potential and contribute to Royal Greenwich’s community, culture, and economy, while living in safety and security.”

To mark Refugee Week, the council will host a special community festival in General Gordon Square, Woolwich, on Saturday 21 June, from 10am to 2pm. This event will be a joyful celebration of the many cultures that call Royal Greenwich home. The event is free for all and requires no sign up.

You can expect:

arts and crafts workshop delivered by local artist Sarah Schmidt
Style Me African crafts stall
local DJ aNiche playing world music and upbeat family friendly tunes
flags and global themed face painting
reiki healing and relaxation stall
information and support stalls
delicious world food stalls
inflatable slide for kids
And more!

In addition to the community festival, there is an entire programme of events hosted by amazing community partners across the borough, including talks, activities, and workshops, giving residents the chance to learn more, show support, and get involved.

What’s on?

Careers and Wellbeing Community Workshop (x2)

Tuesday 17 June, 10am to 11am

Wednesday 18 June, 10am to 11am

Online (via Google Meet)

Smile Angel is thrilled to host free online workshops specifically tailored for refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. These sessions are designed to empower you with valuable insights, helping you navigate your career journey and cultivate your wellbeing.

Join online

Afrobeats Dance Masterclass by Brighter Futures

Tuesday 17 June, from 11:25am to 12:25pm

Moorings Social Club, 3 Arnott Close, Thamesmead, SE28 8BG

Transform your dance game with professional choreographer Rachel Adekoya! From touring with Afrobeats superstars to teaching signature moves, Rachel brings authentic African dance energy to Royal Greenwich.

No need to RSVP, just come along!

University of Greenwich Refugee Week Community Fair

Wednesday 18 June, from 11:10am to 12pm

Stockwell Street Library, Circ Area, University of Greenwich, 10 Stockwell Street, SE10 9BD

Visit our community fair to connect with a range of organisations offering support and information. Whether you’re seeking guidance or simply want to learn more about refugee-related topics, they’re here to help and answer your questions.

Please register here

Find Your Own Ikigai

Wednesday 18 June, from 11am to 3pm

University of Greenwich, 10 Stockwell Street, SE10 9BD

Led by Fahmida Samea. Discover your personal values and purpose through the Japanese concept of Ikigai.

Please register here

Entrepreneurship in the Context of Migration

Wednesday 18 June, from 11:30am to 12:30pm

University of Greenwich, 10 Stockwell Street, SE10 9BD

Please join Dr Stefan Lang and Dr Michael Wynn-Williams for a session exploring entrepreneurship in the context of migration. Discover how migrants turn challenges into opportunities through innovation and enterprise.

Please register here

Living in London Without English

Wednesday 18 June, from 11:30pm to 12:30pm

University of Greenwich, 10 Stockwell Street, SE10 9BD

A Participatory Performance by EFA Students. Join English for Action (EFA) for a powerful interactive performance inspired by Augusto Boal’ s Theatre of the Oppressed.

Please register here

Refugee Week Careers Cafe

Wednesday 18 June, from 12pm to 1pm

University of Greenwich, 10 Stockwell Street, SE10 9BD

Hosted by Luisa Ares, specialist careers advisor. An informal group session with prompt arrival at 12pm to discuss career goals and access employability support. The Careers Café is aimed at individuals (students or graduates) with refugee backgrounds and their friends and families.

Please register here

Refugee Week Finance Session

Wednesday 18 June, from 1:30pm to 2pm

University of Greenwich, 10 Stockwell Street, SE10 9BD

Led by Mohmed Loonat. A deeper dive into managing money, credit and financial planning for the future.

Please register here

Creative Writing for Good Mental Health

Wednesday 18 June, from 3pm to 4pm

University of Greenwich, 10 Stockwell Street, SE10 9BD

Facilitated by Asheley Lotter and Nirmala Goolab. A safe, creative space to reflect on identity and wellbeing through writing.

Please register here

‘King Tide’ – Audio-Visual Performance

Wednesday 18 June, from 6pm to 6:30pm

University of Greenwich, 10 Stockwell Street, SE10 9BD

Audio-visual Performance by Garling Wu and Clovis McEvoy. An immersive live performance exploring displacement, migration, and the climate crisis.

Please register here

Greenwich Borough of Sanctuary information stall

Thursday 19 June, 10am to 4pm

Cutty Sark Gardens, Greenwich, SE10 9BJ

Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network (LRMN) will be hosting a stall at Cutty Sark Gardens to share information and raise awareness about the Borough of Sanctuary movement in Greenwich. All are welcome.

No need to RSVP, just come along!

Citizens of the World Choir single launch

Friday 20 June, 10am

Online

Citizens of the World are releasing their debut album ‘Echo of your Voice’ and to celebrate are releasing the first two singles on World Refugee Day.

Download here

New Arrivals Support CIC – Refugee Week Stay & Play Celebration

Friday 20 June, 12:30pm to 2:30pm

The Big Red Bus Club, Charlton, SE7 8UB

We warmly invite families from sanctuary-seeking and migrant backgrounds to come together for an afternoon of fun, creativity, and connection. There’ll be:
• Arts and crafts activities for children
• Tea, coffee and good conversation for parents and grandparents
• Informal chats to hear your ideas and explore what community well-being looks like in your culture

We’ll be sharing our experience of running a Ukrainian family wellbeing service over the past 10 years – and we’d love to explore whether other communities would like to create something similar.

No need to RSVP, just come along!

Royal Borough of Greenwich Refugee Week Community Festival

Saturday 21 June, 10am to 2pm

General Gordon Square, Woolwich, SE18 6FH

This free event will be a joyful celebration of the many cultures that call Royal Greenwich home, with delicious food stalls, world music, arts and crafts, activities, information and support.

No need to RSVP, just come along!

There and Here – A Celebration

Saturday 21 June, 3pm to 6:30pm

Woolwich Works (The Fireworks Factory), 11 No 1. St, Royal Arsenal, SE18 6HD

Join Protein Dance and Greenwich Borough of Sanctuary for this annual event celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees, migrants and people seeking sanctuary. Enjoy a vibrant afternoon of refugee-led arts, crafts, dance and music jam, culminating in a shared meal that brings everyone together.