Community in Motion: Small Acts That Create Belonging
This week we’re celebrating the small acts of connection that help people feel welcome, supported and part of a community.
At a hotel in Telford, many people seeking asylum wanted to get active. Some were interested in running. Others wanted the chance to move, clear their heads and spend time with other people.
But very few had suitable shoes. Without the right kit, something that should have felt freeing could quickly become painful.
The solution: a coach, a community and a pool of shoes
With support from Shropshire Supports Refugees, local sports coordinator Chris and Migrant Help funding, that began to change.
Chris listened to what people wanted, mapped local running routes and helped build a shared pool of running shoes so people could take part safely.
But it was not just about the shoes.
When Chris reached out locally, he was surprised by the reaction:
“I’m so glad you got in touch — I’ve wanted to help,” local residents told him.
Soon, clubs, neighbours and volunteers were offering gently used kit, small grants and regular drop-offs. That generosity became part of the programme itself.
“The generosity we saw from clubs, neighbours, volunteers became part of the programme,” Chris says. “It’s community in motion.”
Running became a reason to leave the temporary accommodation, meet others and feel part of a group. People who had never run before began building confidence and routine. The activity soon grew into shared meals, swimming, walking groups and women-only sessions shaped around what people said they needed.
That is the hopeful thing about community sport. It does not need to be complicated to matter.
A pair of shoes can help someone take the first step. A running route can become a place to talk. A group activity can help a new area feel less unfamiliar.
For people living with uncertainty, these activities can create space to feel human, capable and connected.
Sometimes belonging with someone asking what would help and neighbours offering what they can.
Then, step by step, something begins to happen.
Friendships that grow
West London Welcome recently hosted a live recording of The Guilty Feminist, bringing together refugees, volunteers and local people for an evening of laughter, stories and connection. Community member Steaysy spoke about rebuilding her life in the UK as a single mother, while the event celebrated the friendships that grow when people come together — and the power of sharing real experiences to challenge harmful myths about refugees.
The power of human connection
In his TEDx talk, The Power of Small Encounters, Adetayo “Tutipsy” Manuwa explores how simple moments of human connection can challenge assumptions, reduce prejudice and help people see one another more fully. Drawing on his own experience of moving to Germany, he reminds us that distance can allow fear to grow — while a conversation, a shared story or a small act of openness can begin to replace it with understanding.
We plant belonging
Across the UK, people seeking asylum are joining local residents and nature charities to plant trees, grow food, clean beaches and restore habitats. The projects support wildlife and climate action, while giving people the chance to spend time outdoors, build confidence and feel part of their communities. As one refugee ambassador put it: “We don’t just plant trees. We plant belonging, and we plant purpose.”
Urgently needed this week
We’ve had urgent requests from our frontline teams for support for loose-fitting clothing for women receiving medical care after dangerous Channel crossings.
“Many people cross the Channel in overcrowded, unsuitable boats. Fuel can leak and mix with seawater during the journey.
Women are often seated in the centre of the boat, where this mixture collects, leaving them sitting in wet clothing soaked with fuel and saltwater.
This can cause painful chemical burns. Loose-fitting clothing helps make treatment and recovery more comfortable, and protects dignity.” - NHS clinician.
£15 can help provide loose-fitting clothing for a woman recovering from burns.
Thank you for being part of a community that belives in supporting each other,
Mandy
You’re part of a growing number of people who believe in looking out for one another.
