Peer volunteer Ismail shares his insights into the New Scots Peer Group event that took place as part of Refugee Festival Scotland 2025.
On Saturday 14th June, our Peers Event came to life at Refuweegee in Glasgow, bursting with colour, connection, and cultural pride. It stood out as a joyful celebration of refugee voices, shared stories, and the power of community.
Our aim was to bring together different cultures, amplify refugee voices, and create a welcoming space for everyone. Judging by the smiles, conversations, and shared laughter, these aims weren’t just met—they were exceeded.
Kicking off at 1.30pm, the event unfolded beautifully over several hours of activity, dialogue, and feasting. Refuweegee provided a warm, inclusive setting where guests of all backgrounds felt at home.
The people behind the event
At the heart of this special day were the dedicated Peer volunteers who made it all happen:
- Catherine and I, as energetic MCs, guided the event with humour and heart.
- Ahmad led an engaging demonstration on how to make Taboula, a traditional Syrian dish.
- Mary and Olena managed the logistics behind the scenes, keeping everything running smoothly.
- Ahlam ensured the event was well-organised and inclusive.
As a co-host, I believe being a peer volunteer is about more than just helping—it’s about building bridges. Through events like this, we show what community really means.
