Asylum and immigration: a compassionate, informed humanist approach | Haywards Heath Humanists

Join us for an informing, engaging, mythbusting discussion of asylum and immigration, and explore humanist perspectives on this emotive issue.

In a world where migration is increasingly shaped by conflict, climate change, and global inequality, public debate around asylum and immigration is often dominated by misinformation, fear, and political polarisation. This event offers a grounded, human-centred alternative.

Join us for an engaging and thoughtful discussion exploring what a compassionate, evidence-based, humanist approach to asylum and immigration truly looks like. Whether you’re new to the topic or already passionate about migrants’ rights, this event aims to equip you with insight, nuance, and ways to engage constructively in an often-heated conversation.

Speakers

• Alison Bennett MP - Member of Parliament for Mid Sussex and Liberal Democrat front bench Spokesperson for Care and Carers.
• Haywards Heath Amnesty - Our local branch of Amnesty International who promote, protect and educate about human rights.
• Care4Calais - A volunteer run charity who deliver emergency aid to refugees in Calais and areas affected by the European migrant crisis.
• Stand up to Racism - A grassroots campaign group against racism, fascism, anti-Muslim bigotry and antisemitism.

Other activities

• Food and refreshments: We’ll provide tea and coffee, and encourage you to bring cakes, sandwiches, or other snacks to share, if you are able. We'd appreciate it if anything you bring for sharing is labelled, including any allergens.
• Kids' activities: There will be arts and crafts, and other kids' activities available in the breakout space adjacent to the main room. These are not volunteer-supervised and adults remain responsible for their children.
• Community slot: We love for members of our community to share their humanist values and perspectives. If you’d like space to deliver a reading, share your passion, or promote a local community project, please get in touch.

Welcome to Haywards Heath Humanists

If you’re a humanist, humanist-curious, or humanist-friendly, you’re very welcome at our events. We’re sure you’ll learn something interesting and meet some cool people. Our inclusive local group brings non-religious people together to be happier and more fulfilled and to be a force for good in our community. If you have any ideas for making Haywards Heath Humanists more welcoming and effective - we’d love to hear from you.

About the venue

The Redwood Centre is the headquarters of the Mid Sussex District Scouts, and is part of the Clair Hall complex. The entrance is to the left hand side of the main building, when viewed from the street. Look for the Scouts logo and Haywards Heath Humanists banner. There is onsite parking and the venue is within 5 mins walk from both Haywards Heath train station and Perrymount Road bus stops.

Everything will take place on the ground floor and there is level access. The front door is not power assisted, however we will try to keep it open. If you have any additional accessibility needs, please get in touch or speak to a volunteer on the day.

This event is free, but we strongly encourage registering in advance, and very much welcome donations which help with our running costs. Care4Calais will also be collecting donations at the event for their emergency aid work.