World Refugee Day 2025: Standing in Solidarity - Locally and Globally

17th Jun 2025

World Refugee Day takes place on 20 June each year. It’s a moment to reflect, acknowledge and stand alongside people who have been forced to leave their homes in search of safety.

This year’s theme, Solidarity with Refugees, reminds us that our actions matter. Whether through offering practical support, listening to lived experiences or building inclusive spaces, solidarity starts with how we choose to show up every day.

In Charnwood and across Leicestershire, Equality Action continues to work with individuals and families who have experienced displacement. Many of the people we support are seeking refuge, rebuilding their lives in unfamiliar surroundings, often with limited networks, language barriers and complex systems to navigate.

Our Work in the Community

We offer direct support to refugees, asylum seekers and those newly arrived, through advice, signposting and community-led programmes.

Some of the work we do includes:

• One-to-one advice and casework - helping people access welfare, housing, debt support, immigration help and basic needs.
• Referrals into NHS Talking Therapies – supporting individuals with culturally aware mental health guidance.
• Community integration activities – through projects like EmpowHER, we host creative and wellbeing sessions to help people connect, share and begin to heal.
• Facilitating the Refugee & Asylum Seekers Forum – a regular space where organisations, frontline staff and community members come together to identify needs, share updates and shape better outcomes.

People we support often share how isolating the process can be waiting for decisions, feeling unsure who to trust, not knowing where to go for help. In this context, small acts of welcome and understanding make all the difference.

Solidarity in Practice

Solidarity is not a one-off action. It’s a commitment to continue showing up - to listen, to amplify stories and to create systems that are fair and accessible. It’s recognising the skills, strength and potential that refugees bring, and working towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and feel included.

This World Refugee Day, we’re reminded that the right to seek safety is a basic human right. It’s not about charity, it’s about justice.

We will continue to be a point of contact, advocacy and reassurance for people rebuilding their lives here and we’re proud to stand alongside others across the country doing the same.

If you’re an individual or organisation looking to collaborate or refer into our services, please reach out.