In recent months, anti-refugee voices have once again dominated headlines and social media feeds. But those voices do not tell the whole story.
As part of the A Million Acts of Hope initiative, we asked Refugee Action supporters a simple question: when the world feels divided, what gives you hope?
We also asked what they would say to someone seeking safety in the UK.
The response was overwhelming.
People from across the country shared stories of welcome, solidarity, friendship and community. They told us about moments of kindness they had experienced, witnessed, or offered to others. They shared messages for refugees and people seeking asylum who may be feeling isolated, uncertain, or unwelcome.
We want to share some of those messages.
“You are not alone”
The most common message we received was simple: you are not alone.
One supporter wrote:
“Welcome! There are so many people who want to make you welcome and care about you and the experiences you have had. I and many others will stand with you and be there for you.”
Another told us:
“There are people who do care. Find your allies!”
Others shared:
“We would care and support you and your close family.”
“Please come here. I believe in solidarity and the rights of all human beings.”
“You would be more than welcome to make our home your home until you can find a home of your own.”
The kindness of the majority of people
Many supporters told us that what gives them hope is not grand gestures, but everyday acts of kindness.
One supporter remembered seeing hospitality in action while travelling:
“When I was in Sicily the people who owned our AirBnB welcomed some refugees from the street into an empty room in their home. Human acts of kindness can make a difference to people’s lives when they need it most.”
Others described receiving support themselves during difficult times.
“When my husband became very ill my church community prayed for us, visited with homemade food and kept in touch.”
“When I was unwell I was able to visit a community drop-in centre.”
These stories remind us that community is built through countless small acts of care.
We have more in common than divides us
Again and again, supporters spoke about our shared humanity.
“There are far more things we have in common than things that divide us.”
“There are more people who want to cooperate than divide.”
“Knowing that everyone has a story and a point of relation gives me hope for progress and kindness in humanity.”
One supporter reflected on Britain’s long history as a place of safety:
“I like the idea that the UK has always been a welcoming and safe place for displaced people.”
Another wrote:
“Everyone deserves a safe place to call home.”
These words echo something we see every day at Refugee Action: when people meet, share stories and get to know one another, fear often gives way to understanding.
The power of community
Supporters shared powerful examples of communities creating belonging.
A teacher wrote:
“At my school, refugees, asylum seekers and all children and families from many different countries are made to feel welcome. We value and appreciate your language, culture and traditions. Every child deserves the best education. I have seen children make friends with each other very quickly regardless of different languages, customs and traditions.”
Someone who works alongside refugees in Bristol told us:
“It is heartwarming to see the support they offer one another, and how they help each other through difficult times. It is a true honour to work alongside them.”
Another supporter remembered their time working at the YMCA in Bradford:
“People of all nationalities and religions worked together to provide safety and an education for young people alike, no matter where they came from. Colleagues put people’s needs first, not their skin colour or nationality.”
Others highlighted the strength of diverse communities across the UK:
“We have all types of nationalities living here in the UK.”
“Young generations.”
“The people that care for each other and show this in their everyday lives and actions.”
Refugees enrich our communities
Many supporters wanted to recognise the contribution refugees make to communities across the UK.
One mental health nurse wrote:
“I have worked with some brilliant nurses and support workers who have come from overseas to help us.”
Another supporter shared the story of someone they have known for years:
“I’ve known Noor for over four years. He is now an HGV driver, runs his own business and does other work. He and his family are very friendly and have worked hard to make a productive life here.”
Others spoke about seeing people flourish when they are given safety and opportunity.
“I’ve seen many lives transformed. This takes time, but it’s amazing how many people flourish, given the right opportunities.”
Hope passed through generations
Some of the most moving responses came from people whose own families had experienced displacement, discrimination or exclusion.
One supporter shared:
“My father was a refugee who came to Britain at the age of 13 in 1939. Amid the horrors of WWII, he and many other children like him found love, friendship, kindness and care that lasted until his death at the age of 95. His legacy continues through us, his daughters who continue to fight for the rights of refugees.”
Another reflected on their father’s experiences growing up in Northern Ireland:
“People were more accepting in the UK than in Northern Ireland when he was growing up. Being a Catholic didn’t prevent you getting jobs.”
These stories remind us that many families in Britain have their own experiences of migration, exclusion or seeking acceptance.
Holding onto hope
When we asked what gives people hope, the answers were varied but connected.
Some spoke about faith:
“My faith that humanity will prevail.”
“My faith in God and Jesus’ way of life gives me hope.”
Others spoke about values:
“My inner core, my values and knowing that others share them.”
Many found hope in people:
“There are far more good people who care than those that don’t.”
“Being with hopeful people and real survivors.”
“Fellow workers for right human relations.”
And many looked to the future:
“The children are the hope for our future, our legacy.”
A message to people seeking safety
Finally, we wanted to share some of the messages supporters sent directly to refugees and people seeking asylum.
“There are many people who want to help you to make a new life in safety.”
“There will always be people with good hearts and open minds wherever you go. In time you will find them, and they will find you. Their light will always shine the brightest when the world feels dark.”
“It’s important to be there for people, listen to their story, give reassurance and be encouraging.”
“I would do everything in my power to help.”
“There are people who care.”
And perhaps the message that appeared most often, in different words but with the same meaning: You belong. You matter. And there are people standing with you.
Thank you to everyone who shared a story, a memory, or a message of hope.
At Refugee Action, we know that anti-refugee rhetoric can be loud. But these messages remind us of something important.
Across the UK, there are countless people choosing solidarity over division every single day.