Public invited to explore what it means to be at home

During Poverty Action Week 2018, members of the public are invited to visit our University to attend an event which will explore citizenship, belonging and what it means to create a sense of home for ourselves, and others.

The free public event has been organised by Leicester Cathedral in partnership with the Unit for Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement (DICE).

The audience will be asked to respond to presentations from a panel of speakers including:

  • Dr Leah Bassel, School of Media, Communication and Sociology at University of Leicester,  drawing on research with colleagues on ‘The UK Citizenship Process: exploring immigrants experiences’ funded by the Economic and Social Research Council
  • Canon Karen Rooms, speaking about the human and spiritual dimensions of the citizenship process
  • Revd Pete Hobson, Chair of Leicester City of Sanctuary, sharing perspectives from those going through the citizenship process.

The Very Revd David Monteith, Dean of Leicester Cathedral said: “During the cold winter months our vision and experience of what home means comes into focus. I wonder if we have different understandings of home, especially when trying to be hospitable. Those without a safe or constant home bring the question very much into focus. I am hoping that we might learn a lot as we consider how to create a sense of home for others or for ourselves.”

Professor Surinder Sharma, Co-Director of DICE at the University of Leicester, said: “Falling as it does in Poverty Action Week, the hope is that this event will move beyond bullet points and recommendations, to a call for action and solidarity with those in our communities who are homeless, poor and marginalised. We are pleased that the event will support work to establish a University of Sanctuary and highlight the work of organisations tackling poverty and homelessness here in Leicester. ”

The event will take place in the Rattray Lower Ground Floor Lecture Theatre from 6:00 – 8:00pm on Thursday 25th January.

You can register to attend via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/to-be-at-home-identity-and-belonging-in-a-changing-world-tickets-39485300597