0113 244 9600
View our updated activity timetable – we’ve added some new services. More information to follow.
Activity Timetable May – July 2025
Author: admin_lrf
Spring Has Sprung!
With the arrival of spring, we continue to improve our community centre, making it a warmer and more welcoming space for everyone.
This time, our Ukrainian Well-being Group and students from the ESOL classes came together to work on the flower beds, planting beautiful blooms that will bring colour and joy to our surroundings. It was a wonderful day filled with teamwork, laughter, and the promise of a brighter season ahead.
Thank you to everyone who took part—we’re building not just a garden, but a stronger community!
LRF Celebrates International Women’s Day!
In celebration of International Women’s Day, we hosted a special event honouring the achievements and contributions of women in our community. There was gift giving, laughter and inspirational guest speakers. We celebrated the strength and resilience of women everywhere!
Community Iftar Dinner
Our Iftar community dinner was a beautiful gathering where people from different communities across Leeds came together to share delicious food and celebrate the spirit of unity. Thank you so much to everyone who contributed delicious dishes to share! We couldn’t have done it without you.
Happy New Year from Leeds Refugee Forum!
We hope you had a great winter break, and we’re excited to welcome you back as we launch our full timetable of activities for the year ahead! Whether you’re looking to get involved, learn something new, or find support, we’ve got something for everyone. Check out the full schedule below:
A Resource for New Migrants in Leeds:
We’re pleased to share an amazing resource for newcomers to our vibrant city. Our friends at LASSN (Leeds Asylum Seekers’ Support Network) have created a fantastic website called New to Leeds. This website is packed with valuable information to help new migrants settle in, find essential services, and navigate life in Leeds.
Visit New to Leeds here: newtoleeds.org
What’s even more incredible is that the website is available in 51 languages. Simply click the translate button to view the content in your preferred language.
Whether you’re new to the city or just looking for some helpful guidance, New to Leeds is a go-to resource for answers to frequently asked questions, local support services, and more!
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We’re thrilled to kick off the new year with all of you, and we look forward to continuing our work together to make Leeds a welcoming, inclusive city for all. Stay tuned for more updates, and we hope to see you at one of our upcoming activities!
With warm wishes,
Leeds Refugee Forum Team
Visit to Lord Mayor’s Office
Visit to Lord Mayor’s Office
Leeds Refugee Forum Wellbeing Groups were invited by The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Leeds Abigail Marshall Katung to visit Leeds Civic Hall.
The Lord Mayor shared her own immigration experience with our community and gave inspiration through holding a long conversation between herself and our service users.
We were privileged to see the inner workings of Leeds City Mayor’s Office by a guided tour through the Leeds Civic Hall.
Wellbeing Groups at Leeds Kirkgate Market
Wellbeing Groups at Leeds Kirkgate Market
Our Women’s Wellbeing Group has a stall at Leeds Kirkgate Market every month. Come along and visit us to browse our unique selection of art, clothing, embroidery and handcrafts.
Attending the market has been a wonderful opportunity for our service users to sell their wares and engage with the local community.
We’d love to see you there – please visit us on October 17th and 18th.
Impact Report 2023 – 2024
Leeds Refugee Forum Impact Report 2023 – 2024
After another wonderful and eventful year at Leeds Refugee Forum, we are happy to present our Annual General Report for 2024. Inside you will find details of all of the projects we run at One Community Centre including our Wellbeing Groups, Bilingual Advocacy, youth provisions, Ukrainian support, Refugee Week, Technology Access and a lot more.
Statement of Support for Refugee Communities Amid Recent Far-Right Violence
In light of recent far-right violence and targeting of minorities, refugees and asylum seekers, it is crucial for us as trustees, staff and volunteers of the Leeds Refugee Forum to offer our unwavering support to our refugee communities.
The One Community Centre remains a designated hate crime reporting centre, and we encourage anyone facing issues to come forward and report them.
As staff and trustees, we can support our communities by increasing our presence and availability, providing clear information on reporting procedures, and fostering a safe and inclusive environment.
Organising community events that promote understanding and tolerance, and working closely with local authorities to ensure swift action against hate crimes, can further bolster our efforts.
Let us remain vigilant, united, and dedicated to ensuring that the UK remains a place of respect and tolerance for everyone.
Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those who seek refuge among us.
Ali Mahgoub – Director of Leeds Refugee Forum
For advice, support, or to report a hate crime, contact us:
One Community Centre, Cromwell Street, Lincoln Green, Leeds LS9 7SG
Leeds Refugee Week 2024
Our Home
Refugee Week 2024 Schedule
For more information and enquiries, please contact the co-ordinator: Ali Mahgoub, Leeds Refugee Forum, One Community Centre, Cromwell Street, Leeds, LS9 7SG. Email: [email protected], Phone: 0113 244 9600 / 07733 171 290.
Leeds Refugee Forum Women and Men Wellbeing group are hosting a mindwell session
Monday 17th June 12pm – 3pm, One Community Centre, Cromwell Street, LS9 7SG
A mini celebration and discussion about what it means to be at, in and settle in ‘Home’ is the theme of this year’s Refugee Week.
For more information contact the LRF office at 01132449600 or email [email protected]
Calling Harehills ‘Our Home’ Photography Exhibition RETAS
Monday 17th June 6pm – 8pm, 92 Degrees Coffee, Boar Lane, LS1 6EN
For Refugee Week, we’re displaying a portrait project of people living and working in Harehills about what ‘home’ means to them, some RETAS staff are featuring.
For more information contact Yasir Mohamed [email protected]
Mobile: 07523911197
Carefree Calligraphy
Monday 17 June 5pm – 6:30pm, Library @ the Lightbox, 1 The Glass Works, Barnsley S70 1GW
Why not have an alternative evening out! Try out some carefree calligraphy with our friendly staff in a safe and welcoming space. You’ll learn the basics of ‘modern’ calligraphy, which is an easier and more accessible form of calligraphy. No need to bring anything, all materials provided.
For more information visit : https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/libraryevents
MEGA Conversation Café
Tuesday 18th June 11am – 1pm, Second floor: Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UP
Join us on level 2 at Leeds Playhouse for a mega conversation cafe. There will hot drinks, games a chance to meet lots of people! Come along and celebrate Refugee Week with us!
For more information email Lily Craig, Special Projects Manager on [email protected]
Celebrate Refugee Week: A free Workshop, free haircuts + nails!
Tuesday 18th June 12pm – 2pm, Second floor: Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UP
Join us at level 2 at Leeds Playhouse for free haircuts by Leeds City College, free nail painting and a soundscape workshop led by Red Ladder Theatre Company.
For more information email Lily Craig, Special Projects Manager on [email protected]
Community Kitchen Take-over PAY AS YOU FEEL
Tuesday 18th June, Second floor: Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UP
Space is limited for this event, so booking is required.
This Refugee Week join us for our community kitchen take-over. Serving food from around the world cooked by members of our Theatre of Sanctuary programme. There will be a selection of dishes for you to try.
There will be a small selection of soft drinks available. The food will be PAYF (pay as you feel), however if this is a barrier to you, there is no expectation to donate.
For more information email Lily Craig, Special Projects Manager on [email protected]
Women’s Celebration event, Women’s Health Matters
Tuesday 18 June, 10:30am – 12:30pm, One Community Centre, Cromwell Street, Leeds, LS9 7SG
The Rainbow Hearts group is facilitated by Women’s Health Matters for asylum seeking women. Group members will gather together to share food and music from different countries.
For more information please contact Emily Lawson on 07909 407 814
Sanctuary’s Got Talent
Tuesday 18th June 7:30pm – 10pm, Second floor: Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UP
Space is limited for this event, so booking is required.
A night full of creativity and talent is hosted on level 2 at Leeds Playhouse. Join us for a night hosted by Wan, Founder of Sanctuary’s Got Talent Just come along and see what Leeds has to offer!
For more information email Lily Craig, Special Projects Manager on [email protected]
Ten Years of Sanctuary
Wednesday 19th June 5:30pm – 7:15pm, Courtyard Theatre @ Leeds Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UP
The Gala will feature Asmarina Voices women’s choir, our original Theatre of Sanctuary project which helped shape our initial application for our Sanctuary status. Asmarina Voices will also be joined on stage, by Harmony Choir and Headingly Voices Choir.
Our brilliant Hearts Youth Group will be performing a drumming piece, the founder of the City of Sanctuary movement Rev Dr Inderjit Singh Bhogal OBE, the Eritrean Cultural Dancers; plus many more surprise guests.
For more information email Lily Craig, Special Projects Manager on [email protected]
Leeds Refugee Forum ESOL Class Party
Wednesday 19 June 12:30pm – 2:30pm, One Community Centre, Cromwell Street, LS9 7SG
Come join our session filled with fun and games honouring our students and their culture from various countries and backgrounds.
For more information email Oleksandra Suishehova [email protected]
Opera North, Maya Youssef: Finding Home. A special concert for World Refugee Day
Thursday 20th June 7pm, Howard Assembly Room, Howard Opera Centre, 8 Harrison Street, Leeds, LS1 6PA
Pay What You Can, making the arts accessible for all.
https://www.operanorth.co.uk/whats-on/maya-youssef-finding-home/
For this event, choose your ticket price from various options, including a recommended price (this is what we’d traditionally charge for tickets). If you need to pay less or access free tickets, simply select that option. If you can pay more, any amount exceeding the recommended price significantly helps us ensure access to the arts for everyone.
For more information contact Zena Malone (she/her) | Creative Placemaking Assistant | Opera North at [email protected]
Advocacy for Inclusion
Thursday 20th June 12pm – 3pm, One Community Centre, Cromwell Street, LS9 7SG
Leeds Refugee Forum Advocacy team are celebrating a year full of support and training for the refugee and asylum seeking communities.
For more information please Donna or Khair on 01132 449600
The Light of Refugee Week, Well-being Women’s group
Thursday 20th June 12pm – 3pm, One Community Centre, Cromwell Street, LS9 7SG
Women celebrating Eid and Refugee Week, food and dancing and music. Everyone welcome.
For more information please contact Ranya Abdulateef at [email protected]
Leeds Refugee Forum Homework Club Party
Thursday 20th June 12pm – 3pm, One Community Centre, Cromwell Street, LS9 7SG
Celebrating our students heritage with volunteers and teachers. An event filled with fun and games, flag colouring competition and dancing, face painting and snacks.
For more information please contact Gabby Thwaites on 07974 817796
Refugee Week Flourish Party, Mafwa Theatre
Friday 21th June, 4pm – 8:30pm, Roxby Community Garden, LS9 7LR
Join us for Refugee Week Flourish Party, a family gala where we’ll be celebrating this years Refugee Week theme ‘Our Home’ with performances, stalls, activities and workshops.
Home can be a place, a person, a feeling or a state of mind. The Roxby Community Garden is a place where the Lincoln Green communities diverse experiences, journeys and backgrounds can come together and feel at home. Celebrate with us and explore what home means to you this Refugee Week.
Suitable for all ages. Free entry. Everyone welcome.
For more information please email: [email protected]
Refugee World Cup 2024 (RCOs, Agencies and Organisations)
Saturday 22nd June 12:30pm – 5pm, Thomas Damby Campus, Community Sport Centre, Roundhay Road, Leeds, LS7 3BG
Football tournaments are a great way of bringing together RCOs, local communities and agencies football teams in a fun footballing environment. Free to play, 7-a-side teams, refreshments provided. All accompanied by entertainment programmes for families and children.
Ali Mahgoub, Tel: 0113 244 9600 / 07733 171 290, Khair Yacob: 07453927515, David Skivington: 07564 267065
