The Book of Refugees Podcast
A multilingual record of memories, dreams and aspirations of refugees in the UK Introduction The experiences and aspirations of refugees living in the UK remain largely unknown to the communities that host them. Before and during their long journey to safety, refugees often experience traumas that may affect their physical and mental health long after the events. Being forced to flee, they have left so many precious things and dear ones behind. However, they come here with memories and stories. Project aims This project aims at creating a window through which we are given access to these memories and stories summed up in a few words. These can be words of wisdom, which refugees take as a way of life, poems they wrote, brief reflections on their experiences, as well as works of art like calligraphy and drawings. The main objective of this project is to create a bridge between refugees and the community in which they live and to fight racism and hate with knowledge, dialogue and understanding. Call for stories The project leaders are calling for contributions from refugees anywhere in the UK.
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Episodes
May 5, 2026
May 5, 2026
4 min
After an emergency surgery three weeks ago, our host reflects on the global team of NHS professionals—from Iraq to Poland—who saved his life. This episode challenges the anti-immigration rhetoric of the hard right by highlighting how the UK’s most vital service is powered by the very people the movement seeks to exclude.
Mar 23, 2026
Mar 23, 2026
4 min
The "Flagshagger" fever dream: the UK’s latest "patriot" trend of duct-taping £2 nylon crosses to every lamppost in sight.
Mar 3, 2026
Mar 3, 2026
18 min
One is a Priest. One is an Imam. And both are fighting for the same thing.
We often hear stories about how religion divides us. But this episode is about how it connects us.
Paul Wordsworth and Ahmed Khaleel are colleagues and friends working together through York City of Sanctuary.
Feb 11, 2026
Feb 11, 2026
4 min
We are back.
In this season premiere, Huw re-introduces the podcast and sets out a new manifesto for Series Two.
Oct 20, 2025
Oct 20, 2025
4 min
Final episode in Book of Refugees podcast series 1.
A round up and reflection on the series
Sep 22, 2025
Sep 22, 2025
23 min
Alice Richardson a PhD student in the Department of Language & Linguistic Science Art the University of York, talks about interpretation in the UK asylum seeking process.
Sep 8, 2025
Sep 8, 2025
17 min
Martin Jones, Professor of International Human Rights Law at the York Law School at the University of York discusses the UK's legal obligations toward asylum seekers.
Aug 26, 2025
Aug 26, 2025
16 min
The University of York welcomes those who are displaced. We seek to be a safe place for refugees, asylum seekers and other people who have been forced to migrate.
York was founded in 1963 on the principles of excellence and opportunity for all. This ethos of inclusivity has endured to the present day.
Aug 4, 2025
Aug 4, 2025
23 min
Common Ground - Songbook and Network provides music/dance/art workshops for York’s refugee/asylum seeker community.
Jul 21, 2025
Jul 21, 2025
35 min
Karla Evans, a senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of York, talks about her experiences during the Yugoslav wars 1991 - 2001.