We are part of the City of Sanctuary network, a national movement committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for refugees seeking sanctuary from war and persecution.
In 2010, Swansea became the UK’s second official City of Sanctuary, and the very first in Wales, meeting all of the criteria set by the national City of Sanctuary network for this prestigious status. We are incredibly proud of this, and continue to support the work for Wales to become the first Nation of Sanctuary.
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 Management Committee invites all organisations, local groups and individuals to join us and help make Swansea proud to be a place of safety. Swansea 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 can pledge their support to welcome and include people seeking sanctuary in their activities.
“To hear or to read Swansea City of Sanctuary it feels like my next stop where I am going to or where I need to get off. It is like a place which, somehow, does not know me but waits for me and is ready to welcome me with many arms I do not know but which are ready to embrace me. Swansea City of Sanctuary is my final destination in my journey as a refugee or asylum seeker.”
– Management Committee Member and long-term volunteer
Recent News
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Mourn the Victims and Resist Racism
The following text was a speech made by Martha, one of our Management Committee Members, at a Cardiff Rally on 3rd July 2024.
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Schools of Sanctuary Awards 2024
We kicked off the Refugee Week celebrations on Monday 10th June 2024 with the prestigious Schools of Sanctuary Awards! This event brings together our vibrant community of local schools who are dedicated to creating a welcoming community here in Swansea.
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Speak Out Against Rwanda
Swansea City of Sanctuary supporters joined the Speak Out against Rwanda organised by Swansea Stand Up To Racism in the city centre on Saturday, 25th May. The inhumane scheme to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda instead of giving them sanctuary…
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Fundraiser: Community Cohesion Project
This year, we've celebrated the graduation of several members and volunteers for completing the esteemed Sanctuary in Politics course provided by City of Sanctuary UK. These individuals are pivotal in advancing our core charity objective: fostering a culture of welcome within local communities.…
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Social Work Day 2024
On March 19th, 2024, Swansea University's Social Works Department celebrated World Social Work Day, on a theme that emphasised the need for social workers to adopt innovative, community-led approaches that are grounded in indigenous wisdom and harmonious coexistence with nature.…
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Statement: End to the Welcome Ticket Scheme
In a statement written on 7th March, the Welsh Government have confirmed the end of the Welcome Ticket scheme, providing free public transport for refugees in Wales. The scheme ended on 31st March.
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HarMINDise
On January 16th, at an event organised by Swansea City of Sanctuary in partnership with the African Community Centre (ACC) project HarMINDise, three schools came together in the National Waterfront Museum to consider ways to improve health and well-being for…
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Book Launch & AGM 2023
On Wednesday 12th December we held an event at Volcano Theatre, with the book launch of two new publishings, our AGM, music, poetry readings, food and art!
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Sanctuary in the Senedd 2023
Sanctuary in the Senedd is an annual event which aims to bring attention to the voices of people who have found sanctuary in Wales about their experiences of education, employment, and mental health.
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Visit to Mumbles Churches Together
On September 24th Mumbles Churches Together hosted a tea and church service where the guests were members of Swansea City of Sanctuary management committee. A very sociable tea was enjoyed in the hall of Holy Cross Church, West Cross!
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