Dialogue Society Hosts Refugee Breakfast: Building Belonging Through Dialogue
27 September – Mayo Centre
On 27 September, Dialogue Society held its third community breakfast at the Mayo Centre, bringing together a group of mainly Turkish refugees under the theme “Building Belonging Through Dialogue.” The event aimed to introduce Dialogue Society’s ongoing projects and encourage participation among new community members. Around 30–35 participants attended the session, which ran from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Breakfast and Introduction to Dialogue Society
The morning began with a warm breakfast setting, allowing participants to meet, talk, and share their experiences in a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. Dialogue Society representatives presented several of the organisation’s key initiatives, including:
- Dialogue Society South London Projects
- Life of a Chickpea
- Christmas Dinner & Iftar Dinner
- Scriptural Reasoning
- Youth Dialogue
- Kingston Dialogue
Each project was introduced through short presentations, highlighting how Dialogue Society creates opportunities for intercultural understanding, education, and community connection.
Engagement and Discussion
Participants were highly engaged throughout the session, asking questions about the Society’s work—particularly showing strong interest in the Scriptural Reasoning programme. A few attendees expressed their desire to take part in future sessions, reflecting the event’s success in inspiring involvement.
Cultural Presentation and Heritage Sites
🌉 Kingston Bridge
The Kingston Bridge connects Kingston upon Thames with Hampton Wick and is a vital part of the borough’s heritage and daily life. The video presentation traced the bridge’s evolution — from its wooden medieval beginnings to its current 19th-century stone structure — symbolising Kingston’s growth as a town that links history with progress.
👑 Queen Anne Statue
Standing proudly beside the Market House, the Queen Anne Statue commemorates the monarch’s reign and her connection to Kingston’s history. The presentation emphasised the statue’s significance as a local symbol of respect for tradition and the arts during the early 18th century.
🕍 All Saints Church
The All Saints Church has stood at the heart of Kingston for nearly a thousand years. Once the site of Anglo-Saxon coronations, it remains a landmark of faith and civic life. Participants learned about the church’s unique architecture, its royal history, and its ongoing role as a gathering place for the local community.
Feedback and Outcomes
The event concluded with open conversation and reflections on the importance of continued engagement. Participants shared positive feedback, expressing appreciation for Dialogue Society’s welcoming approach and cultural openness. It was agreed that similar gatherings should be organised more frequently to strengthen local connections and provide ongoing support for newcomers.
The breakfast embodied Dialogue Society’s mission to build understanding and unity across communities—this time by creating a space where refugees could learn, engage, and feel part of the shared story of Kingston.
