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Community is our superpower this Refugee Week 

As part of Refugee Week, we’re shining a light on those who support people seeking sanctuary and thanking communities for all they do. 

The work we do to help people access accommodation and provide community integration support for guests from Ukraine, Afghanistan and Hong Kong is part of a huge team effort across the county involving a wide range of partners. 

Many residents and volunteers have also helped people and continue to do so – from opening their homes to running community events, and international cafés.  

volunteers at Didcot international cafe
Didcot International Café Volunteers Angie, Denise, Libby, Debbie, Cheryl, Jayne, Tom and Viv with Michelle Jefferies (third from right) Community Liaison Officer – Homes for Ukraine

One such café is The Didcot International Café, which we also support, to provide a wonderful, diverse space where people feel welcome and supported. 

Held at Didcot Baptist Church every Thursday in term time, the international café is a vital space in the community providing informal ESOL lessons and a place to gather, have coffee and connect through conversation.    

The café applied to the Homes for Ukraine Voluntary and Community Sector grant scheme for Oxfordshire and received a £2,000 grant from both South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils to enable them to carry on their brilliant work.  

People attend the café regularly from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, and other countries across the world. 

 

guests from Afghanistan with community support officers from the council at a weekly drop in support event
Pictured above: Our community support officers Andy, Patricia and Lisa with guests from Afghanistan.

Our heartfelt thanks also go out to our colleagues and local partners who run weekly drop in events for families from Afghanistan to access support and practical help in integrating into the local community. 

What is Refugee Week?

Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. 

Established in 1998 in the UK, Refugee Week takes place every year around World Refugee Day (20th June) and has since grown into a global movement. 

Refugee Week has evolved into an international movement, with events spanning the globe. To discover events near you or to connect with local, regional, or international organisers, visit its contacts page. 

The theme for 2025 is “Community as a Superpower“. Refugee Week is highlighting small actions and ‘simple acts of kindness’ that can make a big difference. It could be sharing a meal or meeting your neighbours. Simple acts are everyday things we can all do to stand with refugees and make new connections in our communities.

Check out the series of ‘Simple Acts’ Moomin artwork with ideas on activities.

You can find out more about simple acts on the Refugee Week website 

image of three posters about simple acts of kindness, share a film, meet your neighbours, join the movement, artwork by Moomin 80
Three of the Refugee Week ‘Simple Acts’ poster artwork by Moomin 80

Supporting people seeking sanctuary

Our dedicated team helps people access accommodation, and we help provide community integration support for guests from Ukraine, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Support for guests is funded by the UK Government under national schemes including Homes for Ukraine, Afghani resettlement and Hong Kong British Nationals Overseas. 

We also work as part of the Oxfordshire Migration Partnership together with local authorities, health organisations, residents, local community groups and voluntary sector organisations to help those who are new to the UK integrate into life here, whilst supporting independent living for those staying locally. 

Related information