At Refugee Week, we know the power of stories to build understanding, bridge divides, and help us see the world through someone else’s eyes. That’s why we’re thrilled to be partnering with EmpathyLab for this year’s Empathy Day Festival – a joyful 10-day celebration of empathy through books, creativity and connection.

Running from 2–12 June, with Empathy Day on Thursday 12 June, the festival invites children, young people, schools, libraries, bookshops, and families across the UK to take part in a nationwide movement to grow empathy through the power of story. Whether you’re reading, drawing, writing or simply listening, there are so many ways to join in.

This year’s programme is bigger than ever, with free, flexible events and resources designed to inspire empathy and help children put it into action in their everyday lives. Highlights include:

  • A nationwide assembly with Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce

  • A special Draw with Rob session on empathy

  • A live event with authors Elle McNicoll and Joseph Coelho

  • Daily videos and activities from beloved authors including Hannah Gold, Smriti Halls, Ashley Hickson-Lovence, Tom Percival, Rashmi Sirdeshpande, and many more.

For adults working with children and young people, EmpathyLab is also offering three free professional development webinars, exploring empathy and wellbeing, neurodivergence, and how to have meaningful conversations through books.

The Empathy Day Festival is a brilliant way to complement your Refugee Week activities, especially if you’re taking part in our ‘Read, Watch & Listen’ Simple Act – or planning work around this year’s theme, “Our Community of Compassion”. It’s also a chance to help EmpathyLab reach their bold goal of supporting one million children a year by 2026 to develop the empathy skills they need to thrive in a diverse and changing world.

👉 See the full programme and register for free resources and events at www.empathylab.uk
👉 Tag your activities with @EmpathyLabUK and #EmpathyDayFestival

Let’s build a more understanding, connected and compassionate world – one story at a time.
Whose story will you jump into?