Celebrating Refugee Week with stories, poetry and community at the Unitarian Church

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.  

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.

The Voices in Exile Summer Celebration: A joyful evening of community and conversation

 

This July, we hosted our annual Summer Celebration at the Fitzherbert Centre, bringing together staff, service users, volunteers, fundraisers, and members of the local community. It was a beautiful day of connection, with something for everyone—from face painting and table tennis to outdoor games for the children, creating an inclusive and lively atmosphere for all ages.

 

 

We were honoured by a special guest appearance from Brighton & Hove’s new Mayor, Councillor Mohammed Asaduzzaman, who shared words of welcome and solidarity with our community. As the city’s first Muslim mayor, his presence highlighted our shared dedication to building a diverse, compassionate community for all.

 

 

Attendees enjoyed a delicious array of homemade food prepared by our volunteers and clients, as well as an incredible Voices-themed cake. The evening wrapped up with dancing, conversation, and laughter—a perfect close to a memorable celebration.

 

Thank you to Cllr and Mrs Asaduzzaman for joining us, and to all the volunteers, clients, and supporters who helped organise this wonderful event. It was a day filled with joy, connection, and the true spirit of Voices in Exile!