International Newcastle supports A Day of Welcome and encourages schools to get involved. This is an annual day of solidarity and learning in schools that aims to build a culture of welcome and understanding for people seeking sanctuary. It supports teachers to develop refugee education and kickstarts Refugee Week by providing free live events, resources and activities for pupils of all ages. Schools can join in as much or as little as they like. This year A Day of Welcome takes place on 12th June.
- Register for A Day of Welcome (Friday 12 June, 2026) – Fill out form to get instant access to all the resources
- Teaching and learning resources: Providing new lessons, guidance and activities for KS1-KS4 for use on 12th June or anytime
- Free live events: Sharing books, art and stories, bringing the voices and experiences of people with lived experience of seeking sanctuary into your classroom (for pupils 5-18 years old)
- Refugee Education support: Sharing the latest training and guidance on how best to support any pupils and families at your school who have experienced forced displacement – for use on 12th June and anytime
- Click here to download the Teachers’ guide with a summary of the offer and everything you will need to plan your own Day of Welcome
- Download the Day of Welcome booklist, which speaks to the theme of Refugee Week – Courage
- Contact the The Day of Welcome Team: dayofwelcome@uk.cityofsanctuary.org
A Day of Welcome is organised in collaboration with:
Newcastle Schools of Sanctuary: There is ongoing support for schools in Newcastle who are seeking to become Schools of Sanctuary and for those who already are to enhance their work. Find out more about Newcastle Schools of Sanctuary here.
Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Through an exciting programme of events, activities and media campaigns, Refugee Week brings together people from different backgrounds to connect beyond labels, and foster a deeper understanding of why people are displaced and the challenges they face when seeking safety. People can take part in or host local events, share news about the week and take part in simple acts to stand in solidarity with refugees.
Refugee Week 2026 marks 75 years since the Refugee Convention – a landmark agreement affirming that those forced to flee deserve protection, dignity, and hope. For 75 years, it has provided the legal foundation that has saved millions of lives.
The theme for Refugee Week 2026 is “Courage.” For refugees around the world, courage is often a daily necessity. It is the courage to face unknown journeys, learn new languages, navigate unfamiliar systems, or simply to wake up each morning and step into an uncertain world. At a time when some seek to divide and blame, Refugee Week 2026 calls us to come together and share the courage to welcome, to stand for what we believe in, and to celebrate culture and community – to be joyful, imagine new possibilities, dream, heal, and connect. Courage isn’t always loud or bold. It can be found in simple acts: opening your door to a neighbour, trying new food, reading a book, or watching a film that changes your view of the world. It can be speaking up, asking for help, sharing your story – or simply having the courage to be yourself. Through art, stories, and community, we celebrate the courage that lives within us all – and how connection helps it grow.
Visit the Refugee Week website here to find out more about the week, what’s on and how to take part, as well as the free resources available to celebrate and promote Refugee Week 2026:
- Take Part – Resource Packs (including Children & Young People Pack, Event Organiser Pack, Social Media Toolkit, Refugee Week Film Festival, Refugee Week on Air)
- Social Media Pack and Public Marketing Folder
- Simple Acts everyday actions we can all do to stand with refugees and make new connections in our communities – Refugee Week has collaborated with Quentin Blake to illustrate this year’s Simple Acts
- Stay Connected for updates, sign up to the Refugee Week newsletter and find them on For updates, sign up to our newsletter, and find us on Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter.
- Posters and digital assets are available in the Refugee Week Shop