Bedford Refugee Week

Bedfordshire Refugee Week - 20th - 26th June 2011

Refugee Week is a UK wide programme of events which celebrate the contribution of refugees to the UK.

The purpose of Refugee Week is to deliver positive educational messages that counter fear, ignorance and negative stereotypes of refugees, through arts, cultural and educational events that celebrate the contribution of refugees to the UK and promote understanding about the reasons why people seek sanctuary.

Refugee Week was first held in 1998 and was created in response to the growing negative perceptions of refugees and asylum seekers held by the general public in Britain. It remains the only UK-wide event that promotes the importance of sanctuary and the benefits it can bring to both refugees and host communities.

A multi-agency steering group organises the Refugee Week programme for Bedfordshire with support this year from the Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council Foundation. Many organisations and individuals have supported and donated money and time over the past few years..

Monday 20th June

11.00am - 6.00pm: Launch of Refugee Week Bedford Harpur Square outside Central Library. Enter the Refugee Week Quiz, pick up an information pack. Find out how you can get involved

7.00pm: Talking about Jane Austen in Baghdad Bedfordshire Central Library. A talk by World Service journalist Bee Rowlatt & Iraqi Academic May Witwit. A chance email sparks an unusual relationship and gives a fascinating portrayal of post-invasion Iraq

Wednesday 22nd June

7.00pm: Ice&Fire present The Asylum Monologues, St Peters Church De Parys Avenue Bedford.

Professional actors give a rehearsed reading of these powerful and thought provoking stories. After a performance in Bedford in 2008 by local actors, audience members commented

"before now I wasn’t aware there was a refugee week. It really brought to life some really difficult issues"

"it has opened my eyes and made me think that me, being 15 years old I could be an asylum seeker myself. I didn’t know much about asylum seekers and refugees – it’s now taught me the other side of the press"

8.00pm: Human Library St Peters Church De Parys Avenue Bedford. Post-show discussion with refugee speakers and Case Workers. Refreshments available.

Sunday 26th June

1.30pm – 4.00pm: Family Football Fun Day Alexander Sports Centre, Sidney Road, Bedford. 5-a-side football tournament (adults only) plus a full programme of activities for children (and mums!) to ensure fun for all the family. Activities will include beat the keeper, hit the cross bar and other challenges. Please contact Bob Bridle on 01234 791145 to register, or email bob.bridle@bpha.org.uk.