the black lives matter movement - with Khady Gueye and Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell

In November 2020, Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees, in association with the University of Gloucestershire Refugees Society, started hosting our 'Conversations' webseries.

One of our first conversations featured guests Khady Gueye and Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell, reflecting on the vital and timely Black Lives Matter movement, as well as the actions we need to take for racial justice and equity in our society today.

the Rohingya refugee camps with Dr Tom McKearney

In 2018, Dr Tom McKearney packed his bag and went to utilise his skills as a trainee GP to help people with little access to medical care: Rohingya refugees, crammed in a camp in Bangladesh after fleeing the violent persecution in Myanmar.

Tom talked about the Rohingya – who they are and what has forced them to leave their home, and the difficult living situations they faced even before Covid-19.

Anna Ost - seeking asylum in the UK

Our series of Conversations together with University of Gloucestershire Refugee Support Society continues with Anna Ost, a community care solicitor who spent several years working for a charity supporting people seeking asylum.

She shares her knowledge here, and speaks about what people seeking asylum have to prove to establish themselves as refugees.

Ian Vesty, GayGlos and LGBTQ+ Refugees

In March 2021's 'Conversation', we welcomed Ian Vesty of GayGlos to speak with us about the incredible work they do with refugees and people seeking asylum, who often face persecution for their gender identity or sexuality.

There are many challenges in the UK asylum process that are unfair for people to have to experience, and we really appreciate Ian's presentation as well as the important role of GayGlos in advocating for people who need help and support while reliving trauma.

Please follow and support them if you're able!