On Wednesday 25 February, the local poetry community gathered for a charity poetry evening and anthology launch that raised just shy of £1,000.00 for Leeds-based charity PAFRAS (Positive Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers).
Poetry for PAFRAS was organised and hosted by Leeds-based performance poet Nobody Important (@nobody_important_poetry) to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people seeking safety in the UK, and to support PAFRAS’ vital advocacy and support services.
PAFRAS is the only organisation in Leeds offering accessible, face to face advice and support to people seeking asylum who are destitute or at risk of destitution. PAFRAS aims to increase access to social justice, end destitution and advocate for the rights of refugees and people seeking asylum in Leeds. It’s a small, grassroots charity, run largely by volunteers, with a small number of paid staff in core roles. Many volunteers and staff have first-hand experience of being refugees, allowing them to better support others who face the stress and complexity of being trapped in the UK immigration system.
PAFRAS relies on donations and fundraising from events like Poetry for PAFRAS, which was the first spoken word showcase of its kind to support the charity’s work.
The power of the spoken word
Held at Wharf Chambers in Leeds, the sold-out evening featured original poetry performances from local poets and writers, including Henry Raby (anarchist poet and co-founder of spoken word organisation Say Owt), Goodnightthesky (award-winning poet), No Dry Eyes Poetry (award-winning poet), Faye Marshall (founder and host of the Cloth and Coal poetry community), John Devlin (poet and musician), and Nadira Alom (poetic activist).
The diversity of performers reflected the ethos of the event, bringing different perspectives on a range of topics from feminism to climate activism. Many of the performers gave voice to important social issues, including event host Nobody Important, whose work offers pithy, sardonic commentary on systemic injustices.
Event performer Faye Marshall says: “When Nobody Important invited me to perform at this event I said yes in a heartbeat. PAFRAS supports people seeking asylum in the most positive and dignified ways. In a packed-out venue on a wet Wednesday evening, the poets made me laugh, cry, and transported me with words. When I walked on stage the atmosphere felt electric. The Yorkshire poetry community are no strangers to challenging and changing people’s attitudes and it felt great to know we raised money that will help to change lives.”
The total amount raised by ticket sales was boosted by a charity raffle (including prizes donated by the Yorkshire Candle Co and The Bookish Type) and the sale of an emotive poetry collection entitled An Anthology Against Hate. The anthology was printed by York-based indie publisher Forge Press and edited by No Dry Eyes Poetry. It can be ordered direct from the publisher and all proceeds go to PAFRAS.
Refugee community support in Leeds
Ella Keevash, Chair of PAFRAS’ Board of Trustees, says: “It was such a pleasure to be invited to attend the Poetry for PAFRAS evening. It was so good to see so many out on a midweek evening supporting PAFRAS and people seeking asylum. The poetry was inspiring, moving, thought provoking, and funny at different times and the atmosphere created by the engaging compere, Nobody Important, was warm and inclusive.”
Poetry, much like any other form of art, offers a powerful medium to explore challenging topics and share experiences. The Poetry for PAFRAS event demonstrated the unifying potential of creative performance at a time when community faces such deep polarisation on a local and global scale.
In recognition of the issues faced by those seeking safety and security in the UK, Leeds City Council will hold free training on refugee mental health later this month. And, looking ahead to the summer, Leeds Refugee Week 2026 will take place from 15-21 June. This year’s theme, Courage, celebrates the strength of those seeking sanctuary. Coordinated by Leeds Refugee Forum, the week will include performances, arts, and community gatherings across the city, underscoring the power of art to build diverse, vibrant communities.
For more info about PAFRAS, please visit their website. The charity is actively seeking new trustees to join its board. If you have the skills and experience to help, please get in touch.
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