BWR recently hosted the first ‘Beyond Bath Talks’, where over 25 attendees gathered at the Good Living Centre of the St John’s Foundation for an inspiring evening to reimagine the migration narrative.
In the first talk, a panel discussion was held on the theme of “Powerful stories of migration” was chaired by Andrea Dos Anjos, the Beyond Bath lead at BWR, with panellists Alexandra Chapman of Ethiopiaid; Mir Abdullah, educational researcher at University of Bath; and Kurda Yar, operations officer at BWR, who shared their perspectives on the challenges faced by migrants and refugees.
Beyond Bath Talks are a series of events designed to raise awareness of the realities beyond our borders, through authentic and inspiring stories of migrants, refugees, activists and change-makers working towards a more inclusive society. More Beyond Bath events are coming this summer and in the autumn.
The first event began with a warm welcome and introduction to BWR and the Beyond Bath initiative, with insights about BWR’s mission, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support our work through donations.
The panellists shared their perspectives on the challenges faced by migrants and refugees. Mir Abdullah shared his journey as a refugee and emphasised the importance of community support for successful integration. Alexandra Chapman highlights the issues in Ethiopia and the need for empathy and understanding. Kurda Yar shared her own journey, along with her experience working with refugees, shedding light on the realities faced by migrants in different contexts.
During the discussion, panellists addressed critical questions such as the challenges migrants face upon arrival in a new country, the significance of cultural exchange in fostering inclusion, and the actionable steps needed for individuals, organisations, and governments to create welcoming environments for migrants and refugees.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, where attendees shared personal stories, comments, and questions, enabling thought sharing with like-minded individuals.
We are very grateful to everyone who attended and contributed. Together, we are committed
to building a more compassionate and welcoming society for all.
Details on more Beyond Bath Talk will be shared soon, and we look forward to offering another opportunity to engage in vital conversations on migration and inclusion. For more information about BWR and upcoming events, keep an eye on the website or follow us on social media.