Nancy Kinyanjui (Kairos Housing), Salma Mohamed (ARC), and Zainab Elbusefi (DARE) are behind a full week of inspiring, thought-provoking and family-friendly events taking place from Sunday 16 June to Saturday 22 June.
Working alongside Blackburn with Darwen Council and a range of community partners, the trio has helped put together an impressive programme to shine a light on refugee experiences — through stories, poetry, performance, and of course, food.
“Blackburn is Our Home”
Nancy, who now works to support others through Kairos Housing, said:
“It’s important to us to mark Refugee Week in Blackburn with Darwen, the place that we have made our home. Refugee Week aims to encourage people to learn more about the experiences of refugees, to help them gain a deeper understanding of what refugees go through, and the contributions we make to local life.”
What’s On During Refugee Week?
📸 Photo Voices Exhibition
Running all week at Blackburn Central Library, this powerful display features photography by local refugees and asylum seekers, inspired by Benjamin Zephaniah’s poem We Refugees. Free to view during normal library hours.
🗞️ Refugee Voices Magazine & Film Premiere
On Sunday 16 June, Kairos Housing will launch a new magazine sharing the stories of people who’ve rebuilt their lives in the borough, alongside a moving short film titled Together We Are, developed through workshops with poet Nathan Parker.
🍲 International Food Festival & Student Drama
On Monday 17 June, ARC welcomes everyone to Wesley Hall, Feilden Street, for a refugee-themed drama performance by St Bede’s pupils, followed by a mouthwatering international food celebration.
☕ Global Tea Extravaganza
On Wednesday 18 June, DARE invites you to its friendly tea-tasting event at the Central United Reformed Church, Duckworth Street, Darwen.
🎵 Shared Sounds Musical Workshop
On Friday 20 June, families with children under five are encouraged to visit Blackburn Museum for an interactive morning of music and rhythm.
🎨 Evening of Culture & Art
That same evening, the museum will host a vibrant cultural showcase including art, poetry, short films, and a chance to wear national dress for a portrait using the Obscura Darkroom. Everyone is welcome.
More Than a Celebration
The borough’s Integration and Community Engagement Team coordinated Refugee Week activities alongside partners including Kairos Housing, ARC, DARE, Community Harmony, and the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.
Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, reflected on this year’s national theme of Community as a Superpower:
“It makes me proud that in Blackburn with Darwen we have a good number of organisations and charities who work hard to make refugees feel welcome. These are people who have had to leave their homes not by choice, but through fear of persecution or war.”
“I’m looking forward to being a part of the borough’s Refugee Week events, and learning more from the perspective of our local refugee communities.”
