This Refugee Week, we’re inviting you to explore the theme of ‘Healing’. Through creativity and conversations, Refugee Week 2022 will be a celebration of community, mutual care, and the human ability to start again.

Healing means recovering from a painful experience or situation, so that we can continue to live. No-one understands this better than those who have lost their homes and had to build new lives from scratch. We have much to learn from refugees about holding onto hope when going on seems impossible – as well as about how art, creativity and community can help us to heal.  Those going through the asylum system also know that healing is an ongoing process, made harder by poverty, housing difficulties and the threat of being detained or deported. Asking for change, so that refugees can truly feel safe, is an act of care.

Whether it’s about looking after ourselves and each other at difficult times, overcoming political divisions or coming together to fight for the survival of our shared planet, healing matters to all of us. Whoever and wherever you are, we hope you’ll join us for Refugee Week 2022 to imagine a world where healing replaces harm, and care becomes our shared currency.

Click on the image to watch a video on exploring the theme healing.

Refugee Week 2022 is 20–26 June, and anyone can take part by holding or taking part in an event and activity.

We will be sharing further resources and ideas for activities relating to ‘Healing’ over the coming months. For updates, sign up to the Refugee Week newsletter, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Image (c) Joana Saramago. Grounding Project, by artist Julie Nelson and the members of the Maudsley Charity’s Grounding Project with UCL. Refugee Week 2018 at V&A Museum