UK for Refugees
Amplifying refugee voices and fostering meaningful storytelling
Photo: ©UK for UNHCR / Anthony Devlin / Pinpep
What is UK for UNHCR’s Storytelling Programme?
Stories are incredibly powerful. As a charity, we firmly believe that refugees should have the agency to share their stories in the ways that feel most meaningful and appropriate to them. Today, our Storytellers are at the heart of our mission, with their journeys prominently showcased online. They also play pivotal roles in our public campaigns, events and other online and offline activities.
Who are our Storytellers?
Our Storytellers are refugees and former refugees. Together, they share their stories, aiming to raise awareness and foster understanding.
So far, Storytellers from more than 20 countries have shared their experiences, including:
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Afghanistan
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Congo
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East Africa
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Iran
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Libya
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Nigeria
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South Sudan
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Sudan
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Syria
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Ukraine
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Venezuela
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Yemen
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Afghanistan
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Bangladesh
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Burundi
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Iran
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South Sudan
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Syria
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Uganda
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Ukraine
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Venezuela
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Yemen
As people with lived experience of forced displacement, our Storytellers share their invaluable insights into the refugee experience: from being forced to flee, to finding safety and contributing to new communities.
Public engagement with impact
Our Storytellers have been the stars of our public engagement campaigns, wholeheartedly sharing who a refugee is in our Refugee Dictionary, opening their hearts to share what home means to them in our Gallery of the (New) Home campaign, and conveying the personal stories behind each headline of the news in the portrait series Beyond the Headlines.
Refugee Week 2024 brought powerful stories of resilience, hope and community. Our Storytellers led our Cuppa Hope tea and talk events in Edinburgh, London and Bradford. Later that year, 50 Storytellers joined stage artist, Es Devlin, for her powerful installation, CONGREGATION, a collaboration with UK for UNHCR.
Storytellers’ Testimonials
Samin – Director/ Producer:
“Working in film, I understand how vital diverse stories are, so when UK for UNHCR asked me to share my story I was humbled to be able to share it with the world. They are leading the way by bringing untold stories to the forefront and allowing viewers to see both sides of the narrative. The team were kind, compassionate and thoughtful from start to finish, so it was an honour to work with them.”
Kana Josée – Writer and Chief Executive Officer:
“The best part of collaborating with the UK for UNHCR is the opportunity they provided me to share my story as a former refugee. Sharing my story has brought hope to some refugees still in a state of despair and holding refugee status. You’ll never fully understand the impact of sharing your story until you hear from those you’ve helped. After media coverage, I received numerous messages, making me realise that I’ve become a voice for those who couldn’t speak for themselves. I’m very grateful to the UK for UNHCR for allowing me to collaborate with them.”
Eid – Finance graduate:
“Participating in events with UK for UNHCR pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me how to share my journey with UK for UNHCR’s partners and supporters clearly and confidently. I developed a deeper appreciation for collaborating with UK for UNHCR and the power of storytelling. These experiences inspired me to improve my public speaking skills, enriching both my personal growth and my career in finance. I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect authentically and work toward meaningful goals.”
Vera – Civil Engineer:
“From the moment I first connected with the team at UK for UNHCR, I immediately sensed their warmth, polite attitude and genuine care. I felt really valued and heard. Taking part in the winter campaign was not only interesting but also eye-opening. What struck me most was the ongoing commitment to extending the efforts, ensuring that more people are reached and supported. It’s a reminder that despite holidays and weekends, the harsh reality of war in Ukraine persists.”
Become a Storyteller
Please tell us a little bit about you and we will be in touch.
Storyteller - contact form
We’ll use this information to contact you and discuss the Storytelling Programme in more detail, exploring how we can collaborate. Your data will be securely stored, and we’ll never sell or exchange your information. For more information on how we handle your personal details, please review our privacy policy.
Storytelling Programme FAQs
Who can join UK for UNHCR’s Storytelling Programme?
Anyone who is a refugee or former refugee and resides in the UK is welcome to join our Storytelling Programme.
If you are under 18, we require written permission from a parent, guardian or responsible adult.
What activities can I get involved in as a Storyteller?
- Share your story online (on our website and social media) and with our supporters (in newsletters and mailings).
- Participate in public engagement campaigns.
- Attend or speak at virtual webinars.
- Attend or speak at in-person events.
Our commitments to Storytellers
- We respect your privacy and boundaries during our conversations about their journeys.
- We ask for your formal consent to share your story. We securely store Storytellers’ data and you can withdraw consent at any time.
- Your personal information is kept confidential. You have control over how much or little information you disclose.
- We prioritise accessibility and consider individual needs, such as learning difficulties or past trauma in our interactions.
- We monitor our social media channels regularly to maintain a safe and respectful online environment for all participants.
Is this a voluntary programme?
Yes, our Storytellers are volunteers, and you have the flexibility to choose which projects to participate in based on your availability, schedule and interest.
Some projects or campaigns can involve more of your time. In this case, the charity covers expenses for storytellers participating in our projects, such as travel and meals, as needed.
We will also explore additional ways to support you, such as featuring your business as part of your story, offering media and public speaking training, and providing networking opportunities.
Learn more about the journeys of our Storytellers
Waleed
Waleed’s Journey: From Yemen to New Beginnings
Hessam
“Settling in the UK felt like finally being home.”
Alexandra
“Winter as a child was a time of great joy, winter with the war looks very different.”