Southwark Refugee Crisis - Behind the Headlines. 7th May 2015 1pm-6pm, Copeland Gallery, SE15 3SN

[kirstielamont]

This event has been organised by the main refugee support organisations in Southwark. We hope to raise awareness about the continuing refugee crises internationally and the issues faced by refugees and asylum seekers in the UK.

It is important to see these issues through a compassionate lens but also to give a clear understanding of the many great benefits refugees have offered to Southwark and to our country. As well as a panel discussion about the international crisis, refugees now living in Southwark will talk about their own experiences.

Many groups and individuals in Southwark have been raising a fantastic amount of support for refugees. We would like the event on May 7th to help continue and extend this vital work. Part of the afternoon will focus on what people can do locally, whether its volunteering skills and time with local refugee support groups, raising funds for local groups, or raising funds and supplies for refugees in Europe.

If you have organised a collection or event in support of refugees we would love to hear the details - please send us a report and photos if you have them. And please come and join us in planning future activities.

If you would like A6 flyers or A4 posters for the event for friends, contacts, work etc please let us know.

Here's the details of the event:

1.00pm - 2.15pm

Guest speakers will include:

Representative from Syria Solidarity UK

Laura Dubinsky: Lawyers' Refugee Initiative

Members of the local refugee community and representatives of local support groups

2.15pm onwards

Films and slideshow

Local refugee support groups and their work

"How you can help" interactive forum

From 4pm to 6pm there will be food, dance and music, a great time to bring the children along