Refugee Week Meet and Greet
During Refugee Week, we were delighted to be able to join the refugee conversation café who regularly meet on the Burbidge Gallery here at the Belgrade Theatre, as part of the work by Together for Change Coventry and Warwickshire. The group, who meet twice a week at the Belgrade, were joined by Belgrade staff for a chat over some tea and biscuits, to introduce them to some of the people behind the theatre, so that we could learn a bit more about each other.
Executive Director Joanna Reid was on hand to introduce the members of staff attending to the refugee group, as well as their tutors and volunteers, and to reiterate how welcome they are at the Belgrade, which was awarded Theatre of Sanctuary status last year. This award recognised the Belgrade’s commitment to becoming a welcoming and safe place for all, and we have built on our commitment to work with those who are escaping persecution and conflict.
Discussions ranged from football to clothes, life and religion, as we shared stories and got to know each other a bit better. It was brilliant to see how much the group appreciated the Belgrade as a meeting place and a safe space, and we look forward to continuing to welcome them for their meetings.