This Refugee Week Hammersmith & Fulham Council celebrated our borough's refugee and asylum-seeking communities with a week of free fun.
We kick started the celebrations with our Saturday Funday in Brook Green, where local resident and Afghan refugee Shukoor Sangar Abdul took to the stage to share his experiences.
"I lived in Kabul and worked with the British Embassy there and as an Executive Assistant to the New Zealand Ambassador for 11 years," explained Shukoor.
"My family and I were given the option to move to the UK when the threat to my life rapidly increased and living there became dangerous because of my work."
Building a new life
Shukoor, his pregnant wife Areza, and their two sons arrived in the UK in July 2021, just before the birth of their daughter.
"We were really welcomed into the borough and helped in many ways. The council helped with GP applications, school admission and registration with the local hospital's maternity team," Shukoor added.
"The support we received was greatly appreciated, especially as coming to the UK without any prior plans left me feeling vulnerable."
Once settled, Shukoor applied for work through a recruitment agency and, after a successful interview stage, joined H&F Council's refugee team.
"I enjoy my work and can easily guide refugees by using my recent experiences of resettlement. I can share what I learnt from my caseworker and share all my experience with our guests," he added.
The Saturday Funday also included performances from Ukrainian Children's choir 'Dream', Irish Dancing by Scoil Rince Ceim Oir and music from the New Generation Steel Orchestra.
And for the little ones, circus games with The Flying Seagull Project, the chance to get your face painted, and a photo booth with props. See photos from the whole day here.
More Refugee Week fun
Residents and members of our refugee and asylum-seeking communities also celebrated Refugee Week with a whole programme of free fun, including baking sessions at Nourish Hub, tennis lessons with The Queens Club, a screening of award winning film Nezouh and a cultural social evening at the Hammersmith Quaker Meeting House.
