Compassion into Action this Refugee Week

This week is Refugee Week (19-25 June) which celebrates the contributions, resilience and creativity of refugees and people seeking sanctuary, with this year’s theme being ‘compassion’.

With help from our Springboard community fund, one local organisation is holding an event to recognise the contribution of Salford’s refugee community and explore how we can all turn compassion into action.

Salford Refugee Forum for Refugee and People Seeking Asylum is made up of representatives from local community groups that provide help and support to refugees and people seeking asylum.

Mr Irfan Syed, Chairman of Salford Forum for Refugee and People Seeking Asylum, and Mr Alexis Shama, Treasurer of Salford Forum for Refugee and People Seeking Asylum, said: “In partnership with other local community groups, we organise events to help promote community cohesion. As Salford’s changing population becomes more diverse, holding events becomes increasingly important, as it creates opportunities to bring together a range of people from different backgrounds.

“We applied to Salix Homes’ Springboard community grant to help fund our next event, Compassion in Action, which is being held on Saturday 24 June as part of our Refugee Week celebrations.

“The pandemic showed how important connection and conversations are to us and we’re hoping the event will encourage attendees to meet new people and build their network.

“On the day, we’ll hear from speakers about how we can put compassion into action, followed by international food and music. It will be a day both of action and celebration.”

Sian Grant, Executive Director of Customers and Communities at Salix Homes, added: “Salford is a city with a proud history of not only showing compassion, but putting it into action, by going above and beyond to provide sanctuary to asylum seekers and refugees.

“We’re proud to be able to support Salford Refugee Forum’s event, as it will not only celebrate Salford’s diverse population, but will help to strengthen the sense of community in Salford.”

Salford Refugee Forum’s Compassion in Action event is taking place at St Sebastian Community Centre, on Douglas Green, from 11.30am-3.30pm.

To find out what’s on near you and how to get involved in Refugee Week visit www.refugeeweek.org.uk

Springboard is our community fund, which provides much needed grants to local groups and initiatives that boost community spirit, improve the environment, reduce isolation and promote health and wellbeing.

Find out more about how to apply for a grant.