Home can be more than one place and finding it can be a journey, as it is for so many of us who have to leave our countries and rebuild our lives. Sometimes we can find home in a single person. Other times it’s in a whole community. And often, it’s in a single gesture of care and welcome.
During this Refugee Week, what would happen if we all extended our warmth and hospitality beyond our own homes and made entire neighbourhoods more welcoming?
Whether you choose to volunteer, join a befriending service, or simply strike up a conversation, every interaction has the potential to spark a meaningful connection and form life-long friendships.
Here are some ideas to take part:
- Have a chat! Say hello to someone new in your neighbourhood, workplace, school or community. Ask how they’re doing. Lament or celebrate the weather. It might just make their day!
- Join a befriending service
- Volunteer in your local community
One step further:
- Do you work for a retail or hospitality business? How can you welcome newcomers and long-time residents alike. Perhaps you can place conversation starters on your tables or showcase the work of a local group in your window displays. Every small gesture contributes to a more inclusive and connected community where everyone feels valued, welcomed, and at home.