Refugees and volunteers create Stronger Together wall hanging

Led by Herts Welcomes Refugees (HWR), the initiative celebrates unity and connection by bringing together refugees and volunteers to create a collaborative ‘Stronger Together’ wall hanging at one of HWR's regular drop-ins offering advice, English classes and wellbeing activities.

The project is part of Stronger Together for Inter Faith Week running from November 8 to 15, celebrating friendship across faiths and communities.

The Hertfordshire charity is celebrating friendship and connections between refugees, volunteers and local communities (Image: Inter Faith Week)

Each strand of the wall hanging has been woven by pairs working together, symbolising the connections formed through shared experiences and teamwork.

A participant in the project said: "For me, this weaving project isn't just a piece of art.

"Each thread represents a different journey, but woven together into one tapestry, it shows how all our stories have crossed here in England.

"You are helping us integrate into life here and feel safe."

Sally, a volunteer with HWR who is leading the project, said: "Together we have created a beautiful piece of fabric made by people from lots of different cultures and literally stronger by being woven together."

Katie Allen-East, director of Herts Welcomes Refugees, said: "We see how friendships are built and unity created through the connections made through our work.

"Building unity across communities helps strengthen our connections and restore hope – not only for refugees, but for everyone involved.

"That’s why we’re celebrating the power of those connections with our weaving project."

Herts Welcomes Refugees is taking part in the Stronger Together for Inter Faith Week campaign (Image: Inter Faith Week)

The national week of action is coordinated by Together with Refugees in partnership with Inter Faith Week and highlights the connections made when communities welcome and support refugees.

Jehangir Malik, executive director of Together with Refugees, said: "Stories of division, hostility to refugees and scenes of far-right marches have dominated recent headlines.

"But we know these aren’t the reality for communities across the country.

"That’s why we’re celebrating the connections, unity and friendships made when we welcome refugees – because there is more that unites us than divides us."

The campaign encourages communities to come together in solidarity with refugees through friendship and shared action.