Listening to Refugee Voices During Refugee Week 2026
A space for honest conversations
As part of Refugee Week 2026, Healthwatch Greenwich joined There and Here – A Celebration, organised by Luca Silvestrini’s Protein at Woolwich Works. The event brought together community groups, artists, support organisations and residents to celebrate the resilience and creativity of people who have rebuilt their lives in the UK.
Within this wider celebration, our role was clear: to create a dedicated listening space where people (including refugees and asylum seekers) could speak openly about their experiences of accessing health and care in Greenwich. Over the course of the afternoon, we held meaningful conversations with individuals who shared stories of navigating the NHS while adapting to life in a new country.
People spoke about the challenges of understanding the system, finding reliable information, and overcoming language barriers. Others described positive encounters with local services, highlighting the importance of compassionate staff and clear communication. Each account added to a richer picture of how services are working — and where they need to improve.
What we learned and why it matters
The insights gathered will now feed directly into our ongoing work with health and care leaders. For many attendees, this was the first time they had been asked about their experiences in a structured, supportive way. Their reflections help us identify gaps in information, cultural understanding and accessibility — issues that can prevent people from receiving timely care.
For Greenwich, these conversations matter. They ensure that the voices of refugees and migrants are not lost in the system but instead shape decisions about how services are designed and delivered.
Where to get support
People seeking help with health, care or community support can contact:
Migrant Help – 0808 8010 503.https://www.migranthelpuk.org/
NHS 111 – for urgent health advice
Royal Borough of Greenwich Welfare Support – 020 8921 6375 www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk
Healthwatch Greenwich – 020 8301 8340
