6 things you can do to support refugees this World Refugee Day

Yup that’s right, there’s a whole 7 days of celebrations for Refugee Week’s 20^th Birthday! The best bit about this week-long party? Everyone’s invited! Each year, Refugee Week takes place across the world in the week around World Refugee Day. In the UK, it’s all about celebrating the contribution of refugees and encouraging unity and communication between communities. Check out this blog to find out all the ways you can join the party.

Our Together for Refugees campaign with the IRC may have come to an end, however, this doesn’t mean you can’t still support this fabulous organisation. There’s numerous ways to get involved from making a donation or giving a lifesaving gift, to holding a fundraising event.

There are many ways you can put your money where your mouth is when it comes to supporting refugees in your community, and it doesn’t all have to be about giving. Here are some of our favourite enterprises that can enable you to do good with your everyday purchasing power.

 In need of some new wheels? The Bike Project is a community of refugees, mechanics and volunteers who take second-hand bikes, fix them up and then give them to refugees. A small proportion of their wonderful refurbished bikes are sold online, providing a much-needed cash injection back into the charity – helping to empower even more refugees.

As Brits, it’s safe to say that tea tops most of our weekly shopping lists. So why not give Nemi Teas a try? This London-based tea company employ refugees helping them boost their English skills, regain confidence and work on skills required to enter the UK job market.

Yorkshire Dama Cheese is the tasty creation of Syrian refugee turned cheesy entrepreneur Razan Alsous. Like many in her situation, despite her degree and impressive work history, Razan found job hunting in the UK really difficult. Luckily for our taste buds, this led to her starting her own business making Syrian cheese from fresh high quality British milk in Yorkshire! They’ve won a whole chunk of awards showing just how Gouda their cheese really is! But don’t just take the critics’ word for it - try for yourself!

The ‘refugee crisis’ is really complex and so can be pretty confusing! Help Refugees have some super insightful blogs written by volunteers on the front line so you can swot up on the situation.

Feeling stirred by the injustices which you’ve read about? Take action by sharing on Twitter or Facebook, or write to your MP using this handy tool. People power works, so let’s make some noise!

There are many weird and whacky events out there, but Lada Rally might just be the cream of the crop. This is the only event you’ll find that allows budding adventurers to have an incredible road trip escapade, visit more than fifteen countries AND support refugee charities, all in the space of one week! If you’re not exhaust-ed* (‘scuse the pun) just reading this, then find out how you can get involved here.

*The Lada Rally is entirely carbon offset through team's registration fees, meaning no unnecessary harm is caused to the planet.

In 2016 the UK government announced a scheme that would let communities come together and sponsor the resettlement of a refugee family in their area. If you’re part of a community group and might be interested in welcoming a family to your area, take a look at the government’s website or this handy document from Refugees Welcome.