Action Matters

Join the Simple Acts campaign.

Refugee Week from June 14th-21st is a program of events to celebrate the contribution refugees have made to the UK. Alongside other organisations involved, this year we are asking you to take one of 20 easy actions which are the perfect way to inspire friends, relatives and colleagues to learn about and interact with refugees.

Get tips on doing any of the 20 Simple Acts, from lesson plans to recipe cards. You can also download our action pack brimming with ideas for getting involved in the Simple Acts.

To make it easy for you to take part, Refugee Action are involved in planning a series of larger events around the country, all based on the Simple Acts ideas.

See all Refugee Week events for

your region

Watch a film about refugees

Among many films being screened during Refugee Week is ‘La Forteresse’ at the BFI London, 16th. This powerful film about life in a Swiss asylum reception centre will be fillowed by a panel discussion about exile in film. 'La Forteresse' will also be shown at Broadway in Nottingham on 17th June, and at Arnolfini in Bristol on 19th June.

Still Human Still Here march

Although Refugee Week is a time to celebrate the contribution of refugees, we must also remember those in need of support. The Still Human Still Here march aims to raise awareness about asylum seekers who have been made destitute by a deliberate government policy, aimed at forcing people to return to often dangerous countries. Join us on 20th June, 12pm at Embankment (London). Organised by Amnesty.

Take action

This Refugee Week, please send our e-card to Immigration Minister Phil Woolas and ask him to celebrate the tradition of sanctuary for those who need it, and to promise to keep the UN Refugee Convention which has protected people fleeing persecution since 1951.

Other Refugee Week events:

• Play football with a refugee. Refugee Action in Leicester will be organising their annual refugee football tournament on Saturday 20th June as part of the Refugee Week Simple Acts campaign. See events page for details
• Share your sweets. This action is about sharing things that will make other people's lives sweeter. There are many drop-ins that will accept donations of clothes, food, toys and other items to give to asylum seekers in need. See our toolkit for details of a drop-in in your area.
• Don't forget to let us know about any of the Simple Actions you have taken, and help to inspire others. See the Simple Acts web page for ideas on how to do this.