Recognising Refugee Week Across Mid Ulster
Mid Ulster District Council, in partnership with STEP, is recognising Refugee Week 2026 across Mid Ulster with a week-long programme of community events, cultural activities and Simple Acts of kindness and courage designed to bring people together.
Taking place from 15–21 June, Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.
This year’s theme is Courage — recognising the everyday courage shown by people rebuilding their lives in new communities, while encouraging all of us to show courage through welcome, connection and compassion.
Throughout the week, STEP and Mid Ulster Council are inviting individuals, community groups, schools, businesses and organisations across Mid Ulster to take part in the Refugee Week “Simple Acts” campaign — encouraging small everyday actions that help build understanding and belonging.
A varied programme of events will take place across the district during the week, including:
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English Language Café and Social Event on Wednesday 17 June at the Junction Dungannon from 10am – 12pm and Thursday 18 June at The Hub, Cookstown also from 10am – 12pm.
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Drop-in night at Cookstown Youth Centre for parents and young people from minoritised ethnic communities, Wednesday 17 June from 6pm-8pm.
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A Sanctuary Runners Lunchtime Walk on Thursday 18 June at 12.30pm, meeting at Ranfurly House steps, Dungannon.
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Summer in the Courtyard at Benburb Priory on Friday 19 June from 6pm–9pm, celebrating sanctuary and diversity through food, music and community.
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The weekly Sanctuary Runners Parkrun at Dungannon Park on Saturday 20 June, with participants meeting at 9.15am for a 9.30am start.
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A community outdoor skittles event at The Junction (date to be confirmed).
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A free Community Picnic at Hill of The O’Neill & Ranfurly House on Saturday 20 June from 3pm–5pm, organised by First Steps Women’s Centre Unity in Diversity Project, and suitable for all the family. The Community Picnic will also feature an opportunity to view the Wear Our Courage exhibition, a youth-led creative exhibition developed by the Barnardo's Northern Ireland Ubuntu Youth Voice Network.
Speaking about the week, organisers said:
Refugee Week is an opportunity for communities across Mid Ulster to come together in solidarity, friendship and celebration. Courage is not always loud — it can be found in simple acts of welcome, kindness and connection. Through these events, we hope to create spaces where everyone feels valued, included and celebrated.
For refugees around the world, courage is often part of daily life — facing unknown journeys, learning new languages, navigating unfamiliar systems and building new beginnings. At a time when division and fear can dominate public conversation, Refugee Week 2026 encourages communities to choose connection, celebrate diversity and imagine a more welcoming future together.
Residents are encouraged to follow Mid Ulster Council, STEP and partner organisations on social media throughout the week and share their own activities using the hashtags #RefugeeWeek and #SimpleActs.
People interested in organising or promoting their own local Refugee Week event can access resources, including the Refugee Week 2026 Simple Acts resource pack, social media toolkit and materials for children and young people from the Refugee Week website.