On Friday 25 April, the Liverpool Refugee Hub hosted its inaugural meeting, bringing together participants from across the University of Liverpool, local refugee communities and external partner organisations.
The Refugee Hub is a growing initiative dedicated to promoting open dialogue, partnership, and co-production of knowledge with refugee communities. It aims to centre the voices of individuals with lived experience of forced migration and those actively engaged in supporting this sector.
Co-developed through the Community Researcher project, a partnership between academics at the University's Institute of Population Health and members of Asylum Link Merseyside (ALM), the event featured broad representation from Liverpool-based grassroots organisations, including Merseyside Refugee Support Network, Action Asylum and Bridge 2.
The session included a range of informative talks providing unique viewpoints into subjects such as delivering refugee services and employing data to help better deliver community support. A particular highlight was Professor Lydia Hayes, Principal Convenor of the new Centre for People’s Justice, outlining the mission of the newly established centre and how it is committed to justice-oriented research in partnership with communities.
The meeting served as a dynamic platform to exchange experiences, explore collaborative projects and research opportunities, and strengthen cross-sector relationships. Its inclusive and collaborative atmosphere was praised by attendees, who appreciated the opportunity to forge new connections and identify shared goals. Feedback underscored key priorities for future sessions, including community leadership in research and policy advocacy informed by real-world experience.
The official launch of the Refugee Hub is scheduled for Friday 26 September.
To find out more or to get involved, please contact refugeehub@liverpool.ac.uk
To be added to the mailing list, please see Expression of Interest form