Refugee families were at the heart of Epsom’s Great Get Together in June— bringing the day to life with crafts, cooking and musical performances. Attended by over 400 people, the event was co-hosted by Good Company and Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network as part of Refugee Week. It was a vibrant celebration of shared culture, connection, and community — bringing people together across backgrounds to build understanding and a sense of belonging.
We spoke to Nina Kaye at Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network, about what made the day so special — and why supporting refugees to take centre stage made all the difference.
Bringing ‘More in Common’ to Life
“For refugees who have left behind family, friends and culture, building community again in a new country is difficult. Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network has always prided itself in being a bridge to help connect refugees with people and organisations where they can start to build new relationships and find opportunities to give them a voice in our community. Our values align so closely with Jo Cox’s ‘more in common’ message, that it made sense to be part of the national programme.”
Feeling Seen, Heard and Valued
The Great Get Together created a warm and welcoming space where refugees, asylum seekers and local residents could come together, relax, and enjoy themselves.
“There was so much enjoyment, laughter, warmth and friendship among all the refugees and asylum seekers who attended.”
The event’s warm and welcoming atmosphere was the result of thoughtful planning to ensure everyone felt included, safe and valued — something that clearly resonated with attendees, as shown in a heartfelt message from an Eritrean refugee who has been supported by the network for six years:
“Thank you so much for organising this beautiful Family Day event. Today was truly unforgettable, filled with love, warmth, and a deep sense of safety. It was inspiring to see so many vulnerable refugee families brought together with the wonderful Epsom community. Thank you for creating such a special atmosphere and for all your efforts.”
Building Community Connections
The day in Epsom showed how events that intentionally create opportunities for refugees and local residents to meet, relax, and celebrate side by side can foster shared experiences that can powerfully shift community relationships.
“There is nothing quite like sharing food, music and sport for people to realise how much they have in common. When different groups of people come together to share a good experience, it makes everyone realise that they can connect with people who come from different backgrounds and have such varied life-experiences.”
One of the event’s greatest achievements was supporting refugees to participate in ways that mattered to them.
“Everyone left with a feeling of happiness and contentment. Many of the clients we support were helping on the day with craft, cooking and entertainment. It was really important to them that they were able to take an active role in delivering the event.”
Thanks to a legacy donor and corporate sponsor, the entire event was free—including entrance, entertainment, food, and activities—making it accessible to everyone. Families enjoyed a variety of activities and diverse foods like Turkish gözleme, Afghan biryani, and homemade treats, plus free ice cream for every child. Entertainment featured Epsom’s Ukrainian choir, a refugee brass band, and a Disney sing-along. Attendees were also given the option to opt out of photos with bright green stickers to respect their privacy. MP, Helen Maguire, and mayor, Robert Leach, were there for the whole time, talking to everyone and enjoying themselves—something that meant a lot to the organisers and those at the event.
Looking Ahead
The event has sparked enthusiasm and confidence among the refugee community to participate in more local activities. A number of the refugees who took part have already said they would be keen to support similar community events in the future.
“We are looking for opportunities for the Ukrainian choir and some of the ladies who do craft to attend other local events. The Great Get Together has definitely given them more confidence to be seen at other community events.”
Would you like support with organising a Great Get Together that brings people together across different backgrounds in 2026? Contact us at [email protected] or visit our resources page
Find out more about Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network here