Celebrating our resilience

Survivors Speak Out and Refugee Allies invite you to an evening of friendship and solidarity, celebrating the resilience of those re-building their lives after persecution, and marking the UN international day in support of victims of torture.

Join us for a shared meal, performance, stories and conversation. We look forward to welcoming you!

The UK has a proud tradition of welcoming people who have fled persecution, including torture.  However, in recent years with the rise of extreme views and racism, and the negative portrayal of those seeking sanctuary in our media, it can seem like that history is being forgotten.

Join us for an evening of friendship and solidarity as we celebrate the resilience of those restoring their lives after persecution, and as we mark the United Nations international day in support of victims of torture.  Whether you work in the field of refugee support, or simply want to know more about how refugees are re-building their lives in the UK, everyone is welcome.  You will hear from experts by experience, grow in understanding of the issues facing men and women who have sought protection in the UK, and learn what you can do to make all our citizens feel safer and welcome.

The evening will begin with a shared meal of traditional dishes prepared by members of SSO, and continue with an interview with award-winning writer and poet Nasrin Parvaz, conversations with members of SSO and performances from Freedom from Torture’s Youth and Write to Life groups.  The evening will be punctuated by song; artwork by Nasrin will be on display in the lobby and there will be plenty of time for conversation and Q & A.

Organisers

Survivors Speak Out

Survivors Speak OUT  is a torture survivor-led activist network of former clients at Freedom from Torture, which campaigns against the use of torture, speaks out about its impact nationally and internationally, and supports survivors’ rights.

Refugee Allies

Refugee Allies is a social inclusion project of St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace. They bring local people together with those seeking sanctuary in the UK, opening hearts and minds to the plight of displaced people, fostering empathy and generating action.