Promoting peace and helping to combat racism

Omran Daqneesh, five, who was injured in a Syrian air strike

From Monday, groups concerned with helping refugees and asylum seekers, challenging racism and supporting projects overseas are putting on events with the aim of getting to know each other better.

Organiser Sue James is the chairman of Global Justice Now.

She said: ‘It’s very encouraging to learn how much is already going on in the city and we really want to celebrate the work being done and to show local people how they can get involved.

‘Lots of us are very distressed by the plight of people fleeing Syria, and by the spike in hate crime this summer.

‘So we really want to work together, share good ideas and hopefully make a difference.

‘One of the ways we’re doing this is through a new Portsmouth website called CampaignExchange, where local groups can explain what they do and how people can help, and also tell us about events and campaigns.’

The theme for this year’s One World Week, which runs until October 30, is Including You – Acting Together for One World in Peace.

Its focus is on issues around migration, race hate and extremism.

The main event is on Wednesday at 7.30pm at St Thomas’ Cathedral, Old Portsmouth.

The speakers are Michael Woolley from Friends Without Borders, Julia Thistleton-Smith from the Rural Refugee Trust, Jess Gealer from Modern Slavery Partnership, and John Bosco Nyombi, a refugee from Uganda.

Groups working with refugees will have information stalls and can give advice on ways of getting involved.

Other events include:

n On Sunday, at 2.30pm, at Sacred Heart Church, Portland Street, Fareham there will be a tea party for tools for self reliance.

Entry is £2. Buy tickets from [email protected].

n Chat over chai – a talk on Fairtrade and a chance to learn more about tea and meet new people. It’s happening at the Deaf Centre, Arundel Street, Fratton, on Tuesday, from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

There is a second chat over chai at the Havelock Centre, Fawcett Road, Southsea, on October 27, at 12.30pm.

n International food evening is taking place next Friday at the parish centre of Church of Sacred Heart & St Peter the Apostle, in London Road, Waterlooville, from 7.30pm. Tickets are £4 per person and £10 per family.

Contact Philip Hayllar at [email protected] to book your place.

n On Saturday, October 29, from midday until 4pm, there will be a celebration of world music, food and family-friendly activities at the Discovery Centre, St John’s Cathedral, Bishop Crispian Way, Portsmouth. Entry is free but tickets must be reserved by contacting [email protected]

n A quiz night for Christian Aid at St John’s Church, Upper Saint Michael’s Grove, Fareham, is taking place from 7.30pm next Saturday.

n There will be an international mass on Sunday, October 30, at Church of Sacred Heart & St Peter the Apostle, London Road, Waterlooville, at 10.30am.

n John Vivian will lead a walk to Titchfield Haven from Titchfield Church, on Sunday, October 30, at 1pm. Email [email protected] to reserve your place.

Go to campaign.exchange/one-world-week/.