Refugee Week
14th - 20th June
Refugee Week is a nationwide initiative that celebrates the contributions of refugees to the UK and encourages better understanding between communities.
This year’s events are inspired by the theme, ‘We Cannot Walk Alone’. The challenges of the past year have exposed the deep inequalities between us, including in housing, income and access to healthcare. But the crisis has also shown how interconnected we are – that the wellbeing of each of us depends on the welfare, safety and hard work of others. We are part of a shared ‘us’.
Refugee Week is an invitation to extend your hand to someone new. Someone who is outside your current circle, has had an experience you haven’t, or is fighting for a cause you aren’t yet involved in.
Knitting Together
Tuesday 15th June, 11am – 3pm,
Free Entry, Virtual Event
Booking Essential
The Higgins Knitting and Crochet Group is inviting everyone to join them on Zoom to knit or crochet a square that can be made into blankets and distributed to refugee families. The squares should be 6inch or 15cm square.
Please email gemma.hutton@bedford.gov.uk to register your interest and access the zoom link.
Creative Workshop with Leila Mehulić
Thursday 17th June, 2pm – 3:30pm
Free Entry, Virtual Event
Booking Essential
Join curator and art historian, Leila Mehulić, for this exploration of memories and objects.
Embroidered bag made in Trogir, near Split
Using objects from the collections that might remind you of your homeland, create your own version of Boîte-en-valise (box in a suitcase), a work by Marcel Duchamp.
This famous artist intended to find a way to carry around his most important works, presented as mini reproductions, in a travelling box. Boîte-en-valise is also Duchamp´s indirect dedication to the work of his friend Walter Benjamin, a famous philosopher and refugee.
You can also add in your own photos and objects brought from your homeland.
Please email gemma.hutton@bedford.gov.uk to register your interest and access the zoom link.
Other local organisations are also celebrating Refugee Week:
St Paul's Church
14- 19 June
St. Paul’s Church is hosting an installation of creative pieces made by local schools and community groups, including a display by The Higgins Bedford’s monthly Craft Club group. Members of the public are invited to take a quiet and reflective walk around the Church to view the installations.
Find out more here.
BRASS (Bedfordshire Refugee & Asylum Seeker Support)
Wednesday 16 June
BRASS is running an awareness raising market stall in Bedford town centre.
Find out more here.