We’re passionate about recognising and celebrating the efforts of institutions that contribute to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for people seeking sanctuary in our community.
These groups are what make Swansea a City of Sanctuary.
National Sanctuary Awards
City of Sanctuary UK have a Sanctuary Award programme which accepts applications from Universities, Further Education Colleges, Schools, Local Authorities, Faith Institutions, Libraries and Arts Organisations from across the UK.
Organisations will be appraised by a panel including someone with lived experience of seeking sanctuary, an expert in the field, and somebody from your local CoS branch (that’s us!).
All sanctuary awards are valid for three years after which point an institution will need to undergo a re-accreditation process.
If you are part of an organisation which falls under these categories, and you would like to work towards achieving a Sanctuary Award, please see the City of Sanctuary UK website for more information. You can also contact the CoS UK programme leads if you have any questions.
Local Sanctuary Awards
Here at Swansea City of Sanctuary, we take pride in championing the smaller organisations that make a big impact right here in our local community. Through our Local Sanctuary Award programme, we shine a spotlight on the grassroots initiatives, community groups, and smaller organisations that exemplify dedication and innovation in supporting people seeking sanctuary in Swansea. By highlighting these initiatives, we hope to inspire others to join us in our mission to build a more welcoming and supportive city for all.
Local Awards are now considered to be one-off awards, and do not require reaccreditation. If your organisation has received a Local Award previously and is interested in working towards a National Award, please get in touch.
If you are part of a small organisation or community group and would like to work towards achieving a Local Sanctuary Award, please contact us for more information.
Award-Winning Organisations in Swansea
Organisation |
Date |
Type |
Notable |
| Down to Earth Project | 08/12/2022 | Local | |
| National Waterfront Museum | 08/12/2022 | National | |
| St. James Church | 08/12/2022 | Local | |
| Humanities Department at Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr | 21/06/2022 | Local | |
| Gower College Swansea | 12/11/2021 | National | 1st FE College of Sanctuary in Wales |
| Ethnic Minorities and Youth Support Team (EYST) | 16/07/2021 | Local | Re-accreditation |
| Fusion Project | 16/07/2021 | Local | |
| Swansea Asylum Seeker Support (SASS) | 16/07/2021 | Local | |
| Swansea Council for Voluntary Service (SCVS) | 16/07/2021 | Local | Re-accreditation |
| Unity in Diversity (UiD) | 16/07/2021 | Local | Re-accreditation |
| Glynn Vivian Art Gallery | 16/07/2021 | National | 1st Gallery of Sanctuary in UK |
| Oxfam Castle Street | 16/07/2021 | National | Re-accreditation |
| Circus Eruption | 19/06/2019 | Local | |
| Terence Higgins Trust Cymru | 19/06/2019 | Local | |
| Linden Church | 20/03/2018 | Local | 1st Church of Sanctuary in Swansea |
| National Waterfront Museum | 20/03/2018 | National | 1st Museum of Sanctuary in UK |
| Department of Adult Continuing Education (DACE) | 05/04/2017 | Local | |
| Digital Communities Wales | 05/04/2017 | Local | |
| Down to Earth Project | 05/04/2017 | Local | |
| Wales Observatory on Human Rights of Children and Young People | 05/04/2017 | Local | |
| Oxfam Castle Street | 05/04/2017 | National | Re-accreditation |
| African Community Centre (ACC) | 05/07/2016 | Local | |
| Ethnic Minorities and Youth Support Team (EYST) | 05/07/2016 | Local | |
| Swansea Council for Voluntary Service (SCVS) | 05/07/2016 | Local | |
| Unity in Diversity (UiD) | 05/07/2016 | Local | |
| Oxfam Castle Street | 11/03/2014 | National | 1st Shop of Sanctuary in UK |
Award-Winning Schools in Swansea
School |
Date |
Notable |
| Gŵyr Primary School | 10/06/2024 | |
| Parkland Primary School | 10/06/2024 | |
| Sketty Primary School | 10/06/2024 | |
| St Illtyd’s Primary School | 10/06/2024 | |
| Bishop Vaughan Comprehensive School | 16/06/2023 | |
| Christchurch Primary School | 16/06/2023 | |
| St. Helen’s Primary School | 16/06/2023 | |
| St. Joseph’s Cathedral Primary School | 16/06/2023 | Re-accreditation |
| Brynmill Primary School | 21/06/2022 | |
| Hafod Primary School | 21/06/2022 | |
| Pentrehafod School | 21/06/2022 | Re-accreditation |
| Terrace Road Primary School | 21/06/2022 | |
| Waun Wen Primary School | 21/06/2022 | |
| St. Joseph’s Cathedral Primary School | 19/06/2019 | 1st Primary School of Sanctuary in Swansea |
| Pentrehafod School | 01/07/2013 | 1st School of Sanctuary in Wales |