In 2010, Swansea became the second City of Sanctuary in the UK, and the first in Wales. We celebrated our 10th Anniversary in 2020 with many events throughout the year – the highlights of these can be seen in our most recent report.
City of Sanctuary is a national movement committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for refugees seeking sanctuary from war and persecution.
Swansea has offered a home to people who have lost their homes and families and we wish to celebrate the welcoming attitudes of Swansea people and organisations.
Our City of Sanctuary Management Committee invites all organisations, local groups and individuals to join us and help make Swansea proud to be a place of safety. City of Sanctuary support can include community centres, charities, social clubs, schools, local services and businesses, as well as refugee organisations and volunteers. Supporting organisations promise to welcome and include people seeking sanctuary in their activities.
Take a look at our City of Sanctuary resolution of support. We also have included some ideas to turn your support into practical help.
Recent News
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A Message of Solidarity
Sadly, at least 27 people have reportedly drowned while crossing the Channel from France on Wednesday.
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Revolutionary Dreams: Film Review by Ibrahim Badawi
On Friday 12th November 2021, Jose Cifuentes held the premiere of his new film, “Revolutionary Dreams" produced by Malcolm Boorer and Daniel Phillips. This film was based on Jose's publication “Revolutionary Dreams: From Chile to Wales", published by Hafan Books…
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‘Art for the Park’ accepted for the Swansea Open exhibition!
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Anniversary Sanctuary Awards
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Sanctuary: Film Review by Ibrahim Badawi
As part of Swansea City of Sanctuary's ten-year celebrations, the film Sanctuary was shown in the Taliesin Theatre at Swansea University. The film included scenes from Swansea and interviews with refugees, asylum seekers, volunteers, and inspirational figures who have contributed…
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New Trustees and Volunteers Wanted for Swansea City of Sanctuary
We are always interested in meeting potential trustees to join our committee. This is a voluntary position. We are a fully voluntary organisation with no staff.
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Improving Access to Higher Education & Employment for Forced Migrants
Monday 14th June 2021
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Hannah of “Better Welcome” nominated as community champion during lockdown
Lockdown hasn’t prevented Swansea giving a proper welcome to asylum seekers and refugees. Hannah Sabatia, project coordinator for the ‘A Better Welcome to Swansea’ Project, was recently nominated as a community champion by Bethan Sayed MS, Member of the Senedd…
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Banners Celebrate City of Welcome
A colourful pair of new banners are flying the flag for cultural diversity in Swansea. One is headed in English and one in Welsh, celebrating ten years of Swansea as a City of Sanctuary (or Dinas Noddfa Abertawe). They are…
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City of Sanctuary welcomes new volunteers and committee members
Lockdown has proved no barrier to recruiting new Swansea City of Sanctuary volunteers.
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Sanctuary in Lockdown
Swansea has been a City of Sanctuary for ten years. It means making the city welcoming to all-comers including those escaping from violence or persecution in other countries. Like many others, asylum seekers and refugees have had particular problems during…
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A culture of welcome in flowers
Swansea Council has marked the tenth anniversary of Swansea as a City of Sanctuary by planting a flower display. It was unveiled on 9 July 2020 by the Lord Mayor, Cllr Mark Childs, at a brief ceremony attended by Amber…
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