Inhabit Hotels is proud to partner with Asylum Speakers, a platform and award-winning podcast series for an intimate storytelling series that brings the voices of refugees and displaced individuals to the forefront. This powerful collaboration is more than just a series of talks—it’s an opportunity to connect, listen, and reflect on stories of migration, identity, and resilience.
From February to November 2025, Inhabit Southwick Street will host four inspiring speakers, each sharing their deeply personal journey of displacement, survival, and hope. Hosted alongside Bouteco, a platform dedicated to sustainable travel and ethical storytelling, this series is a reminder that behind every headline about migration, there is a human story waiting to be told.
Why Attend?
At a time when migration and displacement are at the centre of global discussions, these talks provide a rare opportunity to hear directly from those who have lived through it. Each £25 ticket grants access to an evening of profound storytelling, where you’ll learn about the challenges, triumphs, and perseverance of individuals who have rebuilt their lives against the odds.
Better yet, 100% of ticket proceeds go to charity, directly supporting refugees and asylum seekers.
Meet the Speakers
1. Halimot’s Story – Love, Resilience, and Human Connection
19 February 2025 | 18:30 – 20:00
Halimot’s journey began when she was trafficked from Nigeria at just nine years old, facing modern-day slavery and FGM. Despite immense hardship, she has emerged as a social entrepreneur and advocate, creating safe spaces for trauma survivors. Her story is one of love, resilience, and the power of human connection.
2. Ayman’s Story – The Intersection of Climate Change and Displacement
2 April 2025 | 18:30 – 20:00
Ayman fled Syria as conflict and climate change made survival impossible. Now an actor, filmmaker, and activist, he sheds light on how environmental disasters and war force people to leave their homes. This conversation will explore how climate change is becoming one of the greatest drivers of displacement worldwide.
3. Hiba’s Story – Identity, LGBTQIA+ Rights, and Asylum
11 June 2025 | 18:30 – 20:00
As a transgender woman from Pakistan, Hiba has faced layers of persecution. Her story highlights the struggles of seeking asylum as an LGBTQIA+ person, the battle for gender identity recognition, and the fight for freedom. A visual artist and activist, she is committed to championing women’s rights and LGBTQIA+ visibility.
4. Giel’s Story – Travel, Survival, and Building Community
5 November 2025 | 18:30 – 20:00
At just 16 years old, Giel made the treacherous journey from South Sudan to the UK, crossing land and sea in search of safety. He has since dedicated his life to helping others, including saving lives in Libyan detention centres. His talk will focus on the role of community, cultural exchange, and the power of travel in building a more connected world.
Join Us at Inhabit Southwick Street
Inhabit Hotel Library, 61 Southwick Street, London, W2 2PP
Every session is hosted by sustainability expert Juliet Kinsman and serves as a space for reflection, learning, and connection. Set against the backdrop of Paddington—a multicultural hub of London—these talks provide a platform for underrepresented voices and challenge common misconceptions about migration.
““Inhabit Hotels believes in the power of stories to foster connection and understanding, and we’re excited to partner with Asylum Speakers to bring these vital voices to the forefront,”
– Samantha van Exter, Head of Hotels at Inhabit Hotels
“These talks promise not only to educate but also to spark critical conversations around how refugees enrich our culture and communities,”
– Jaz O’Hara, Founder of Asylum Speakers
How to Attend
Tickets: £25 per talk
Book here: Tickets
Let’s come together to listen, learn, and take action. These stories have the power to change perspectives—perhaps even lives.
