UK for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency’s national charity partner, launches its new
winter campaign, ‘Hope on Repeat’, a nationwide search for the UK’s favourite #HopeHit – the inspirational songs that bring warmth and togetherness as the weather grows colder.
Through the universal language of music and personal stories from refugees,
the campaign aims to raise awareness and support for people fleeing war and persecution.
This time of year is especially challenging for the millions of people forced
to flee their homes in Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine. The reality for many is that winter means surviving freezing temperatures in bomb damaged homes or with just a tent between them and the elements, without warm clothing and with no way to heat their shelters.
Every #HopeHit nomination and vote helps UK for UNHCR raise awareness and vital
funds to help displaced families survive winter with access to basic relief like warm clothing, shelter repairs and heating fuel.
At the same time, UK for UNHCR’s Hope on Repeat podcast spotlights the power of
music and storytelling through the personal stories from refugees. The podcast explores the songs that carried each Storyteller through displacement, loss and how they rebuilt their lives far from home.
Vote for your #HopeHit
Mark Macdonald, UK for UNHCR Director of Communications, said,
“Hope on Repeat recognises that music brings people together ― a universal language that inspires memories of family, friends and home. We are inviting everyone in the UK to add their favourite feel-good song to help build this national playlist, as a way
to show their support and stand with refugees across the globe. What song will you choose?”
As people nominate their #HopeHit, the most popular songs will feature on the
Hope
on Repeat playlist a soundtrack of solidarity, unity and warmth
as temperatures drop. People joining in can also donate to support winter relief.
Nominations for the playlist and voting for the UK’s No 1 #HopeHit can be made
at www.unrefugees.org.uk/hope.
Voting closes on 14 January 2026 with the winner announced on Blue Monday, 19 January 2026.
Hope on Repeat: The podcast sharing inspirational songs and stories
Through storytelling and music, this five-part podcast series looks to inspire
the nation with songs and stories of solidarity chosen by current and former refugees.
Hosted by British poet Sophia Thakur, the podcast’s guests include Fatima, an
ultramarathon runner from Afghanistan who advocates for women in sport, particularly those from Muslim communities; Maysa, a Syrian-born dancer and human rights advocate with a focus on women’s rights and freedom of expression; Mariia, a Ukrainian refugee
using film and media as a tool for diplomacy and advocacy; and Smajo OBE, an educator, researcher and public speaker who survived the genocide in Bosnia and went on to found the Bosnian Genocide Educational Trust.
UK for UNHCR is also working with Royal College of Music academic, Norbert Meyer
to explore the role of music in fostering understanding and connecting diverse communities.
The Hope on Repeat podcast is available from
www.unrefugees.org.uk/Hope
