Staff, volunteers, clients and neighbours of Voices in Exile were all invited to create artwork exploring a simple question:

What does courage mean to you?

The result is a vibrant collection of artwork that celebrates the creativity, resilience and hopes of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in our community. Throughout Refugee Week, the exhibition was displayed at Brighton’s Jubilee Library, with the artwork also brought together in a limited edition zine to raise funds for the work of Voices in Exile.

Creating together

The project was led by ceramic artist Jane King, who has been volunteering with our groups programme over the past year.

Jane, who exhibits her abstract ceramic sculptures across the UK and Europe, also teaches ceramics to adult learners. Alongside her own artistic practice, she has brought creativity into our weekly groups, using drawing, collage and colourful origami papers to encourage participants to experiment, share ideas and enjoy making together.

Working alongside our Group Facilitator, Hayat, Jane developed a series of creative workshops exploring this year’s Refugee Week theme.

Rather than asking people to define courage, the sessions encouraged participants to think about something deeply personal: the courage to imagine a different future.

The courage to dream

At Voices, our groups programme is an important part of the holistic support we provide. Alongside English language learning, digital skills, city orientation and practical advice, the groups create opportunities for people to build confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging.

For this project, those conversations became something visual.

Together, participants explored the idea of “the courage to dream” – recognising that dreaming of a better future often requires extraordinary bravery, particularly after experiences of displacement, uncertainty or loss.

People shared their hopes for themselves and their families, including:

• I dream of being a famous Arabic teacher in England.
• My dream is to pass my exams.
• I dream my children will learn and have a good education.
• I dream of being independent.
• My dream is to write and speak good English.
• My dream is to learn English and pass my driving test so I can work.

Each dream was carefully written onto hand-crafted paper forms before being arranged together into one collective artwork.

The finished piece became a flourishing “Courage to Dream” garden of butterflies, birds, flowers and climbing vines – symbols of hope, resilience, adaptation and new beginnings.

Like the people who created it, every element is unique. Together, they form something far greater than the individual pieces alone.

More than an art project

The workshops were about more than creating artwork. They created space for conversation, creativity and connection. They offered people the opportunity to express themselves in ways that didn’t rely on perfect English, while sharing stories, laughter and aspirations with one another.

Projects like this reflect what our groups are all about: creating welcoming spaces where people can build confidence, learn new skills, make friends and feel part of a community.

We’re incredibly grateful to Jane for sharing her time, creativity and generosity with our groups, and to everyone who contributed their artwork, ideas and dreams.

Together, they’ve created something that reminds us that courage isn’t always loud or dramatic.

Sometimes courage is simply allowing yourself to imagine a brighter future, and taking the first step towards it.

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Festive wreath making with Debra 

At the start of December, Debra joined our groups to teach us how to make beautiful Christmas wreaths using everyday rags and simple materials. The results were stunning – bright, textured, and completely unique to each person. Many of our service users took their wreaths home to hang proudly on their front doors, adding a little colour and celebration to the winter season. 

It was a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon full of conversation, shared ideas and creativity. We’re so grateful to Debra for showing us how something simple can become something really special.  

Decorative wall art with artist Jane King 

In November, we welcomed long-time friend of Voices in Exile, artist Jane King, who has supported us with many creative sessions over the years. This time, she guided the group as they made decorative wall hangings using origami paper and cake boards. 

What began as basic materials soon transformed into bright, layered artworks that our service users took home. These sessions give people space to explore their creativity, try new techniques, and enjoy the calm focus that comes with making something by hand. 

A huge thank you to Jane – you can find her on Instagram at @janekingceramics 

A joyful dance session with Anna from Communitas Dance 

This week, our groups were treated to an uplifting dance session at The Dance Space in Brighton, thanks to Anna from Communitas Dance  

Anna introduced the group to movement sequences inspired by samba, Brazilian dance, Bollywood, folk dance and modern styles. The room was full of music, laughter and energy, and the feedback afterwards showed just how much the session meant to everyone. 

Participants used phrases like “happy”, “energised”, “less stressed” and “relaxed” when asked how they felt at the end of the workshop, which was fantastic to hear. We’re very grateful to Anna and to The Dance Space for such a warm welcome. 

Find Anna on Instagram at @communitasdance. 

For our service users, opportunities like this offer a chance to move, create, and experience joy in community – something that can make a real difference to wellbeing and confidence in difficult times. 

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Building skills and confidence

The ESOL (English as a Second or Other Language) classes were run by qualified and highly experienced teacher, Tilly, who taught ViE clients at St Mary’s Community Hall in Kemp Town. 

“Language skills are key to our sense of belonging and our place within a community,” says Tilly. “ESOL classes are therefore a vital strand of Voices in Exile’s work to support refugees and vulnerable migrants in Brighton and East Sussex. They give practical skills but they also build confidence, friendships and a vital sense of community among those who attend.”  

Overcoming challenges together

Tilly acknowledges the challenges faced by clients and the significant distance travelled since the classes started last year: “The ability range amongst our clients was huge. Some were unable to hold a pen having never been to school in Afghanistan. Others were confident with English at Levels 1 and 2. We helped the beginners over the year most because their need was the greatest. To keep focus and motivation for each client they were given workbooks tailored to their level of ability and homework which was marked regularly.”  

Tilly is generous in her praise of childminders and volunteers who enabled clients to receive the one-to-one tuition that she says was essential. “We were very fortunate with our child minders, Azadeh and Sheri, who were wonderful with the little children not old enough to go to nursery and therefore came to class with their mothers.” 

Finding friendship and belonging

While proud of clients’ success in improving their language skills enabling next steps in education or work, Tilly explained how the classes have also given clients broader skills and have provided a vital lifeline to counter isolation and opportunities to develop friendships and a wider sense of community. 

“The classes have enabled clients to meet and get to know one another in a friendly and informal environment,” she says. “They joined a WhatsApp group run by the very impressive Fareshta and strong friendships have been formed. The success of this group is down to the motivation of the clients, tailored resources and a fantastic group of volunteers.” 

Paarwana is a client and regular attendee of the ESOL classes. She agrees that the classes have been about much more than learning, important though that has been. “I really enjoyed the classes,” she says. “I’ve met different people and different friends. When I came here at first I was alone and I found lots of different friends. Often my husband comes too. It was very good for both of us. We got a lot of confidence and learnt a lot about Brighton. The teachers were very kind.” 

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The issue of small boat crossings has become a heated political and humanitarian debate, but how do Britain and France each view this crisis? 

Produced by Anne Daguerre and Nick Lazar, this timely film delves deep into the contrasting perspectives between Britain and France regarding migration, border security, and humanitarian responsibility. Through candid interviews with officials, activists, academics, and migrants themselves, the documentary highlights the stark differences and surprising commonalities in how both nations navigate this shared challenge.   

Following a successful premiere at Duke’s at Komedia, Brighton, and a vibrant panel discussion, the film continues to spark important conversations. 

A fresh perspective on the Channel crossings debate 

The documentary takes a fresh angle, focusing on the often-fraught relationship between France and the UK when it comes to migration across the Channel 

and interpolating perspectives from both countries. Rather than centring on the lived experiences of migrants (which the filmmakers noted has been well-covered elsewhere) the film looks at the interplay between politicians, rights groups, and filmmakers, revealing the tensions, misunderstandings, and sometimes flawed assumptions that shape policy and public opinion.  

The documentary also explored the British government’s “smash the gangs” approach, questioning its effectiveness in addressing the underlying causes of dangerous Channel crossings. 

Challenging questions in the Q&A 

Following the screening, filmmakers Dr Anne Daguerre, a social justice policy academic at the University of Brighton, and Nick Lazar, a director, filmmaker and actor, led a Q&A session.  

Audience members asked challenging questions about the absence of certain political voices, the role of the media in shaping public perception, and the need for more context and fact-checking in the national conversation.  

Discussions also touched on issues such as the organisation of smuggling networks, the reasons why many migrants want to leave France, and the realities those who arrive in the UK via other routes and later claim asylum face. 

Why events like this matter 

For our team, the evening was both inspiring and sobering. It underlined the need for more informed, nuanced discussions about migration – ones that recognise the human realities behind the headlines, challenge harmful narratives, and push for policies grounded in justice and compassion. 

We are very grateful to Anne, Nick and the other organisers for not only hosting this screening but also directing proceeds to Voices in Exile, helping us continue our work supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable migrants in the local area. 

To find out more about the documentary, including details of how you can watch it, visit smallboatsdocumentary.com. 

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As part of Refugee Week 2025, we were invited to take part in a special service on Sunday 22nd June at the Unitarian Church on New Road, Brighton. The theme of this year’s Refugee Week, Community as a Superpower, felt especially fitting as we reflected on faith, belonging, and the shared humanity that connects us all. 

The service, led by Rev Jennifer Sanders, brought together powerful images, moving words, and some of the stories of people who have been personally affected by migration or seeking asylum.  

As part of the service, our Director Alison Kelly spoke to the congregation about the history and impact of Voices in Exile, the challenges facing our service users today, and the growing importance of standing in solidarity with refugees and migrants. She called on us all to challenge anti-migrant rhetoric and celebrate the vital contributions migrants make to our communities, reminding us that Refugee Week is not only a moment of reflection, but a call to action.

A highlight of the morning was the striking photography exhibition, The Faces of Voices in Exile, by Carlos Jasso. Through his photography, Carlos aims to highlight the individuals within the Voices in Exile community – not as numbers, statistics, or outsiders, but as people building new lives, friendships, and identities. The exhibition was a tribute to the richness migrants bring to their new communities, the knowledge they share, and the resilience they embody. By showcasing their portraits, Carlos reminds us that, at our core, we are all human. Regardless of our beliefs, or backgrounds, we are individuals deserving of dignity, respect, and a place to belong. 

We were also deeply moved by a poetry reading from Nematullah (Nemat) Ahangosh, who shared three poems from his collection The Colour of Peace: Perhaps a little worried, Fitting in, and Unleash love?. Each poem reflected lived experiences of migration and the longing for peace, identity, and acceptance. 

Nemat’s poetry book The Color of Peace can be purchased here. 

One person in the congregation shared afterwards: 

“The voices from the service and the pictures really moved me this morning. It was great to be reminded of our common humanity, as our usual daily diet of reporting on refugees has such a negative feel. Thank you for coming and for your work.” 

Thank you to everyone who helped to make this event possible and to everyone who came along.

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“I grew up in Beirut, Lebanon, leaving in 2018 to pursue a BA in Music at the University of Sussex. Upon graduating, I took on roles in hospitality and events – then teaching music as a primary school supply teacher. I now work full time at Music in Hospitals and Care, a charity sharing the healing power of live music across care homes, hospitals, and day centres across the UK.

I’m a passionate human rights advocate with a lifelong interest in global politics and humanitarian social affairs. I enjoy volunteering with various groups, playing and writing music, and watching football. I found out about Voices in Exile by taking part in migrants rights protests in Brighton, and eventually through my mother who became Group Facilitator.

I have been working with Voices for a year now as a Social Media Volunteer, where I manage our platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, LinkedIn) by posting regular content and also working with other volunteers to collate content to add to our socials and brand new website. I attend community events when the opportunity comes, to take pictures, gather quotes, and meet people where I can explain the positive work we do in the community. One key aspect of being a social media volunteer is the planning that comes with it – needing to have a content schedule matched with achievable goals – of when and what to post.

One of my highlights in the last year was encouraging the charity to move away from X and onto Bluesky, following other charities in the migrant sector in their move.”

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, or LinkedIn to keep up with all the fantastic content that Sunny and the team share! 

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At Voices in Exile, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. During this Volunteer’s Week, we want to take a moment to celebrate and say a huge thank you to the incredible individuals who give their time, energy and compassion to support refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants across Sussex and Surrey. 

The range of roles that our volunteers take on  

Volunteers support our work in so many different ways. From working in the food bank to helping with back-office support, admin, marketing, social media and events; from teaching English and running support groups, to mentoring clients and helping with ad-hoc tasks – like putting together flatpack furniture for someone moving into a new home, or accompanying someone to a medical appointment.  

No matter how big or small the task, every act of support makes a real and positive impact. 

20 years of support from volunteers  

This year is particularly special for us, as we mark 20 years since Voices in Exile was founded. We began as a grassroots, volunteer-led organisation – created by people who saw a need and stepped in to help. Without volunteers, Voices in Exile simply wouldn’t exist. That spirit of compassion, solidarity and community still drives us today. 

The integral part that volunteers play: Team perspectives 

As Beth, our Advice and Casework Manager, shares: 

“Volunteers are a vital part of the advice team and bring different skills and experiences. They significantly increase our capacity and reach across the whole of our service and are an invaluable part of the team. We regularly receive positive feedback from people accessing our service about their experience of the support from volunteers.” 

 In our casework team, generalist volunteers play a key role in advocacy – often making a life-changing difference to individuals who may be at risk of homelessness or destitution. Anerley, another of our Caseworkers, explains: 

“Our Generalist Volunteers get involved in advocacy making significant impact to an individual. I think having another person speak with a client offers a different approach… it makes the case more holistic and feels like we cover more areas of support.” 

In our ESOL classes and support groups, volunteers help create welcoming, inclusive spaces where people can build confidence, learn and feel part of a community. As Hayat, our Group Facilitator, says: 

“The volunteers help me to create a sense of community and belonging in the groups… The group members value their presence and look forward to seeing them every week. We’re very lucky to have such dedicated individuals in the groups.” 

Colin, our Food Bank Coordinator, sees the difference volunteers make every single day: 

“I see clients arrive with a worried frown and leave with a big smile, not just because of the food we give them but because our volunteers listen to them and engage with them… They really love working with each other and support each other. I arrive on Monday morning with a smile and leave with a bigger one!” 

Our ESOL Teacher, Tilly, summed it up beautifully: 

“The ESOL classes could not run without you. Thank you all for your time, your dedication, your good humour and your compassion.” 

From everyone at Voices in Exile, thank you. You are a vital part of our team. Your kindness, dedication and belief in a more just and welcoming world makes a real difference. This Volunteer’s Week, we celebrate you and all that you do. 

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The event brought together a vibrant mix of Voices in Exile staff and volunteers, service users, supporters, fundraisers, and representatives from local organisations working with refugees and migrants. It was a wonderful reminder of the strength and warmth of our community, and the collective commitment to creating a fairer, more welcoming society.

Guests heard speeches from departing Director Mel, Voices Chair Nick Scott-Flynn, and our new Director Alison Kelly. Mel’s speech struck a powerful chord, reflecting on the challenging social and political climate in which we work and why Voices’ mission – promoting justice, dignity, and inclusion for all – is more crucial than ever.

As well as being a moment to look back on our achievements over the past year and the past two decades, the evening was also about looking ahead. With Alison stepping into the role of Director, we are excited for the future and energised to continue growing and strengthening our support for refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants at risk across Sussex.

Printed copies of our new Impact Report were available for guests to take away, showcasing the difference our work – and the support of our wider community – has made over the past year. It was a proud moment for everyone involved.

The evening was made even more special by delicious food provided by the Real Junk Food Project.

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this event. Here’s to the next chapter!

The post Launching our first Impact Report and kicking off our 20th anniversary celebrations appeared first on Voices In Exile.

You can watch it here:

We also have a write to Ministers campaign action live if you would like to share.

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