Research is stronger when people with lived experience are part of the conversation. Our Voices Ambassadors joined academics to discuss how power imbalances can affect collaborative research. Their contributions are helping make research more inclusive and representative.

🎙️A new podcast is coming… What happens when we stop talking about people who have experienced the immigration system — and start listening to them? We want to move beyond headlines and soundbites. To explore the complexity behind the issues and challenge assumptions!

VOICES Ambassador sharing his story! Real change starts with listening. When refugees are able to share their experiences, misconceptions are challenged. Empathy is built. Communities come together.

VOICES Ambassadors sharing their life experiences! When people have the opportunity to share their stories they stop being statistics and start being neighbours, friends and community members. These conversations challenge assumptions and build understanding!

Refugee Week! 🤝 Voices Ambassadors performed poems and spoken word! Sharing stories helps foster empathy, compassion, and stronger communities. 🌈 It also highlighted not just challenges, but talent, creativity, and the power of community.

Refugee Week!

Refugee Week! 💫 More than an event: VOICES Ambassadors took a moment to celebrate strength, resilience, and the rich contributions of refugees and people seeking asylum. 🌍 Unity in diversity: Different cultures, talents and voices came together in one shared space of belonging

Refugee Week! 💚 Acts of kindness ripple outward: Cleaner streets, stronger bonds, and a shared sense of purpose. 📣 Real stories matter: People seeking safety are also building, supporting, and uplifting the communities around them. 🌟 From resilience to action.

Refugee Week! 👐 Refugees and people seeking asylum are not just part of our communities—they actively help shape and care for them. 🌱 Looking after shared spaces shows the power of belonging and connection. ✨This is what solidarity, contribution and community spirit look like

Refugee Week! 🌍 Community in action: People with lived experience of the immigration system coming together to make East London cleaner! 🧡 5 bags of rubbish collected—small actions, big impact. 🌈 Everyone deserves to belong: And everyone has something valuable to give.

Listen to our live broadcast right now or repeat on Bcb radio 106.6 FM bcbradio.co.uk/player/

Their words were not just speeches—they were lived experiences. Raw, powerful and deeply human, they challenged perspectives, sparked reflection, and inspired action. We are incredibly proud of our VOICES Ambassadors for using their voices to advocate, educate, and create change!

VOICES Ambassadors also shone a light on the vital role that communities and organisations across the UK play in supporting refugees and migrants. Through deeply personal reflections, they highlighted both the compassion that exists and the challenges that remain.

VOICES Ambassadors spoke at a recent conference hosted by SolidariTee! Sharing stories that resonated with the whole room. Speaking with honesty, they discussed a state’s responsibility to protect people seeking safety-reminding us that behind every policy is a human story.

Let this be a reminder: change starts when ordinary people decide their voices deserve to be heard. If you care about fairness, dignity, and protecting the futures of those affected, now is the time to pay attention, speak up, and stand with them!

Their determination showed that when people stand together, they can shine a light on issues that cannot be ignored. To everyone who took part – you were powerful, you were brave, and you represented so many who could not be there themselves.

They stood in the halls of Parliament not just for themselves, but for all the people whose lives could be negatively impacted by these proposed changes. It takes courage to speak up, to share personal stories, and to challenge policies that will impact families and communities.

Yesterday VOICES Ambassadors took part in a Mass Lobby of Parliament! They met with MPs to raise their concerns about the proposed changes to settlement rules! What they did matters. Their voices were heard.

The theme for Refugee Week 2026 is Courage. Inspired by the lives and experiences of those seeking sanctuary, this year's theme invites us to explore the many facets of bravery. The aim is to highlight the daily courage of refugees, from fleeing conflict to rebuilding their lives