For Refugee Week 2026, we are celebrating the theme of Courage by sharing the story of our new Chef Trainer, Ismail Almatheab. Today, Ismail leads hospitality training at Plateful Café, helping refugees and other learners build skills, confidence and pathways into employment. But the journey that brought him here is one of extraordinary resilience, determination and courage. Growing up in Syria, Ismail discovered his passion for food while working in his family’s bakery, producing traditional Syrian breads, pastries and sweets. Alongside his work, he studied English Literature at Damascus University and built experience in professional kitchens and hotels across the country. In 2011, everything changed. As conflict engulfed Syria, Ismail’s future became increasingly uncertain. In 2014, he made the heartbreaking decision to leave his home, family, career and the life he had built behind. Like millions of Syrians, he was forced to seek safety elsewhere. After arriving in the UK in 2015, Ismail faced the daunting challenge of starting again from nothing. He had professional skills, experience and ambition, but no UK references, limited English and little understanding of how to navigate a completely new system. Finding work proved incredibly difficult. Despite countless applications and interviews, opportunities were repeatedly out of reach. Many people would have given up. Instead, Ismail persevered. He studied English, attended training courses, travelled across towns and cities for interviews and accepted whatever work he could find. He worked long hours carrying out demanding kitchen tasks while continuing to search for better opportunities. He moved from Stoke-on-Trent to Birmingham, then to Cambridge and eventually London, following every lead that might help him build a future. Each setback became another reason to keep going. Over the years, Ismail worked in restaurants across the country, steadily building his experience and reputation. Through determination and hard work, he transformed the uncertainty of his early years in the UK into a successful career in hospitality. Even after securing professional roles in respected restaurants, Ismail continued investing in himself. He completed Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas in Culinary Skills and later pursued an Advanced Diploma in Artisan Baking at the prestigious School of Artisan Food. His commitment to learning reflects a belief that growth never stops, no matter how many obstacles stand in the way. The COVID-19 pandemic brought fresh challenges, as it did for many hospitality workers. Yet once again, Ismail adapted. During this difficult period, he became involved in community food projects, using his skills to support others and maintain the sense of connection that food creates. Today, Ismail has come full circle. As Plateful Café’s first full-time Chef Trainer, he now supports refugees and other learners who are beginning journeys of their own. He understands the challenges they face because he has lived them himself. Through practical hospitality training, mentoring and encouragement, he helps others develop not only kitchen skills but also confidence, independence and hope for the future. Ismail’s story is a powerful reminder that courage is not a single act. It is the determination to keep moving forward when the path ahead is uncertain. It is rebuilding your life after loss. It is refusing to give up when doors close. And it is using your experiences to help others succeed. This Refugee Week, we celebrate Ismail’s courage — and the courage of all refugees who continue to rebuild, contribute and enrich our communities every day. About Refugee Week The word courage comes from the Latin cor, meaning “heart.” Inspired by the lives and experiences of people seeking sanctuary, Refugee Week 2026 invites us to explore the theme of Courage. For refugees around the world, courage is often a daily necessity. It is the courage to face unknown journeys, learn new languages, navigate unfamiliar systems, or simply to wake up each morning and step into an uncertain world. At a time when some seek to divide and blame, Refugee Week 2026 calls us to come together and share the courage to welcome, to stand for what we believe in, and to celebrate culture and community – to be joyful, imagine new possibilities, dream, heal, and connect. Courage isn’t always loud or bold. It can be found in simple acts: opening your door to a neighbour, trying new food, reading a book, or watching a film that changes your view of the world. It can be speaking up, asking for help, sharing your story – or simply having the courage to be yourself. Through art, stories, and community, we celebrate the courage that lives within us all – and how connection helps it grow. Join us for Refugee Week 2026, 15–21 June 2026 To see a full list of other events taking place throughout Refugee Week, visit the Refugee Week Website Refugee Week 2026 marks 75 years since the Refugee Convention – a landmark agreement affirming that those forced to flee deserve protection, dignity, and hope. For 75 years, it has provided the legal foundation that has saved millions of lives. #RefugeeWeek #SimpleActs #Courage
Meet Refugee Aref Aref is a Kurd from Afrin, Syria, he came to the UK seeking safety and the chance to rebuild a life marked by years of conflict, multiple displacement with his family, persecution, discrimination and instability. Aref arrived in the UK hoping for dignity, stability, and the opportunity to contribute. But shortly after his arrival, the UK government announced a pause on asylum decisions for Syrians. “I had only just arrived, trying to understand the system and find my footing,” he explains. “Then suddenly everything stopped, my life, my plans, all frozen.” Since that announcement in December 2024, he has lived in a constant state of limbo. “It’s been mentally exhausting,” he says. “You can’t work, can’t study properly, can’t make plans. You’re just stuck, waiting, with no control over your future.” The uncertainty has taken a toll. “This pause means I can’t move forward with my life. I want to study, work, and contribute, but I’m not allowed. Instead, I live with anxiety every day.” Ending the pause would be life-changing. “If the government resumed decisions, I could finally start living, not just surviving. I could rebuild, focus on my goals, and give something back.” The possibility of being forced to return to Syria. “It’s not safe. The country is fractured. HTS, a group known for Islamist extremism, controls the central government and imposes harsh and radical rules. But many areas are outside even their control. There are warlords, armed militias, and regions with no real governance at all. The Reality He continues: The danger is real. Sectarian, ethnic, political, and religious differences can still cost people their lives. Kidnappings, detentions, and assassinations are common. The same old regime henchmen are still active, and many current officials are under global sanctions. Israeli airstrikes regularly hit targets inside Syria. It’s chaos, there is no safety, no justice, and no protection.” When asked that conservatives suggested most Syrian asylum claims were related to the threat posed by Assad’s government and those people could return when it was safe to do so? “It’s a dangerous oversimplification. The threat was never only Assad. 14 years of war destroyed the country’s structure. It’s the entire ecosystem of chaos that still exists. The country is fractured, sectarian and ethnic hostility have become more prominent, with lawless areas controlled by different armed groups. The danger is still there, just with more faces and more flags. Syria isn’t safe to return to. Not for me.”
My Work Experience I’m Hadis, a Persian woman, who came to the UK around 4 years ago. I worked as a physiotherapist back home and hadn’t any experience working at a cafe before immigrating to the UK. My first experience working in a cafe started with Plateful Cafe, where I learned to work as a chef, barista, cashier and waitress; learning salesmanship and customer service skills. I learned how to prepare and cook several Syrian appetizers, main courses and desserts. Working there was a great opportunity to connect with international people, improve my English language and increase my confidence in the work environment of a new country. I was sad to be away from my family and homeland, but by being able to hold Iranian events here, I was able to show parts of my country’s culture, art, history and cuisine. Helping with my homesickness, these events had a positive effect on changing my mood. The Future With the experience and resume I gained there, I was able to apply for jobs at other cafes and get accepted. Finally, I would like to thank Iolanda for all her efforts and kindness in supporting us women to enter the workforce and earning money to have a better life. I hope she is always successful on her path and receives more support.
Setting up our stall This Easter Sunday, we had the absolute pleasure of setting up a Plateful Café stall at SET Social in Peckham, and what a lovely day it was. The atmosphere was relaxed, and we were surrounded by great people, great stalls and served plenty of delicious food. We dished up a special menu comprising of wraps and side dishes made by our amazing chef, Nahed, who truly delivered and cooked most of the hot food fresh to order on the day. The feedback on the food was incredible, and it’s always a joy to see people enjoying the meals our chefs work so hard to prepare. All the food we make helps refugees earn a London Living Wage while building skills and confidence that support their integration into the local community. One of the best parts of the day was seeing people pause to chat with Nahed, asking about the dishes and thanking her for her food. Moments like this, where food becomes a bridge between cultures and people, mean we are fulfilling our mission! It meant so much to see our chef not just cooking, but connecting. We also had some delicious bites for sale, prepared by Saleh, one of the talented chefs we’re lucky to work with at Plateful Café. Originally from Yemen, Saleh is currently seeking asylum in the UK after fleeing oppression and threats to his safety. His story is powerful, and what stands out most is his passion for food. Cooking has been a lifelong love for him; something that began in his childhood kitchen in Yemen and grew into a career as a chef. His crispy slightly spicy potato bites were a popular hit with everyone thoroughly enjoying them. He dreams of studying culinary arts here in the UK, opening his own restaurant, and one day publishing a cookbook that blends Yemeni flavours with international cuisine. It was a pleasure to try some of his creations! Supporting Refugees Alongside all that, we brought some of our Plateful products to sell too, including our range of popular jams, teas, truffles and artwork, all made in-house with love by our chefs and volunteers. Every purchase is helping us continue supporting refugees through meaningful training, work, and creative expression – so thank you! If you were there, thank you for stopping by and making it special. And if you missed us, don’t worry, we’ll be popping up again soon!
