An article on Exeter Refugee Week by Exeter Drop In Support Manager, Valentina 

At Refugee Support Devon, a charity based in Exeter, we provide practical support for refugees, people seeking asylum and vulnerable migrants on a wide range of issues. Our work includes advice on asylum support, housing, immigration matters, referrals to health services, help with communicating with other agencies and organisations, and general guidance on navigating life in the UK.

We work with trauma every day. Most of the people who come to our drop-in centre have experienced the unimaginable stories we so often hear about in the news when refugee crises are discussed. We see trauma reflected in people's bodies, faces and expressions. We acknowledge those experiences and respond with openness, compassion and consistency. Above all, our aim is to empower people, helping them to feel capable of building a new life in this country.
Refugee Week, an international celebration held every June, is always an important opportunity to raise awareness of our work while bringing our clients, volunteers and the wider community together through a range of activities.

This year, Refugee Week took place around the world between 15th – 21st June. In Exeter, we organised events that were both outward-facing and community-focused, as well as activities designed to improve our clients' wellbeing, build confidence and, wherever possible, support recovery from traumatic experiences by helping people feel welcomed and included in their local community.

The theme of Refugee Week 2026 was Courage, and throughout the week we witnessed exactly that.

We were delighted by the fantastic turnout for our opening event at Exeter Phoenix, where we screened Everybody to Kenmure Street (Felipe Bustos Sierra, 2026). The documentary tells the inspiring story of local residents coming together to prevent the detention of three asylum seekers in Glasgow, demonstrating extraordinary resilience, solidarity and the power of neighbours supporting neighbours - a phrase that has become something of a motto for us.

On Wednesday, our office was buzzing during our Open Day, when we welcomed visitors to learn more about Refugee Support Devon and the services we provide. Tours were led by our brilliant LEX Panel, our steering group made up of former clients with lived experience of the UK asylum and immigration systems. They shared their stories with honesty and generosity, giving visitors a unique insight into our work and the importance of supporting people rebuilding their lives.

Thursday afternoon saw us gathering at the Refugee Support Devon community allotment in Exeter. Maintained by a dedicated team of volunteers alongside many of our clients, the allotment produces an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables while providing a peaceful space to connect with nature. For Refugee Week, we invited clients to join us for a picnic, live music, juggling and puppetry for children, and, of course, delicious food made with fresh produce from the allotment. It was a joyful afternoon that brought people of all ages together.

On Saturday morning, our LEX Panel also took over The Respect Show on Phonic FM at Exeter Phoenix for Refugee Week special, sharing music that is meaningful to them alongside honest and courageous reflections on their own experiences of seeking sanctuary in the UK. It was an inspiring programme that left everyone involved feeling uplifted and hopeful.

As a migrant myself and an amateur musician, I have always found singing - especially songs from my own culture - to be an important part of my own healing journey. Music reconnects me with my roots and allows me to communicate emotions that words alone cannot express.
With that in mind, I wanted to bring this experience to Refugee Support Devon. Throughout the year, we have created a weekly safe and welcoming space where clients can come together to make music, share songs from their own traditions and learn from one another. Working alongside experienced music therapists and other musicians, our sessions begin with half an hour of gentle yoga to help everyone relax before moving into informal music-making together.

Recently, a group of Eritrean women living in dispersal accommodation across Exeter have become regular participants. They have brought beautiful traditional songs, accompanied by drumming and dance, and have generously shared their culture through music and song.

During Refugee Week, they performed publicly for the first time at Barnfield Theatre as part of the Reclaim Festival's Reclaim the Stage event rounding off our week of activities. They were thrilled to perform together and to share their music with such an enthusiastic audience.

Preparing for the performance was just as meaningful as the performance itself. They enjoyed choosing their clothes, doing their hair and getting ready together - taking time to celebrate themselves and one another. Their confidence on stage and the quality of their performance exceeded expectations.

The week reminded us that healing is not only about practical support. It also comes through connection, creativity and belonging. Whether through music, conversation, shared meals or simply spending time together, community helps people rebuild confidence and find hope.
At Refugee Support Devon, we see every day how powerful that can be.

To find out more about our work, please visit www.refugeesupportdevon.org.uk.

If you would like to support our work, please consider becoming a regular donor. Just £5 a month – a little more than the price of a coffee - can help us continue providing vital support to people rebuilding their lives in Devon.

Valentina
Drop-In Manager, Refugee Support Devon