Celebrating Refugee Week

East Ayrshire Council started the celebrations early for Refugee Week by holding an event where families shared their resettlement stories.

Resettlement is the process of providing families that have been displaced by conflict, persecution or humanitarian crises with a safe place to start over, and the event brought together individuals and families who are supported by East Ayrshire’s Resettlement Team to share their experiences with Council members.

Refugee Week runs from 16-22 June and the Council has a range of events planned which any ‘new Scots’ in East Ayrshire are very welcome to attend.

On Monday 16 June from 2pm to 4pm, Councillor Graham Boyd will be hosting a History of Kilmarnock Walk, where you can find out all about local historical buildings and landmarks.

A Wellbeing Day will be held on Tuesday 17 June at the Howard Centre in Kilmarnock from 9.30am to 3pm which will provide an opportunity to have a relaxing day with friends, and to explore lots of health and wellbeing options.

A Fun Sports Night will take place on Wednesday 18 June from 5pm to 7pm at William McIlvanney Campus in Kilmarnock for children aged 16 and under which will include fun sports and games and team competitions.

On Friday 20 June, an Afternoon Tea will be held at the Howard Centre from 2pm to 4pm where you can meet with people who have helped with resettlement, and the week will end with a pan-Ayrshire Multi Cultural Festival on Saturday 21 June from 11am to 3pm at Ayrshire College (Kilmarnock Campus) which will be a fun day for all the family with face painting, wall climbing, football and more.

To find out more about the events, please email: refugeeresettlementteam@east-ayrshire.gov.uk

Councillor Neal Ingram, Cabinet Spokesperson for Equalities and Inclusion, said: “Refugee Week is an important opportunity for us to celebrate the courage and resilience of all those who have sought safety in East Ayrshire, and to recognise the valuable contributions they make within our communities.

“We are proud to have created a place where everyone feels welcomed and included, and I hope that our ‘new Scots’ enjoy the events planned throughout the week.”