Weโre 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 (thatโs 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
Swansea has been recognising Sanctuary work since 2014, becoming the first city in the UK to create local awards โ inspiring the National Sanctuary Awards programme! One of our first awards was given to Oxfam Castle Street, the very first Shop of Sanctuary in the UK.
As the national programme has expanded, weโve adapted our local awards to continue celebrating the brilliant work of grassroots and community-led groups.
Submissions for Local Awards are accepted year-round, and there is no deadline. 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.
As of 2024, our Local Awards are now considered to be lifetime awards, and do not require reaccreditation, however groups are welcome to renew their award if they wish. If your organisation or group has received a Local Award previously and is interested in working towards a National Award, please get in touch.
Award-Winning Organisations in Swansea
African Community Centre (ACC)
Local Sanctuary Award โ 2016
Circus Eruption
Local Sanctuary Award โ 2019
Department of Adult Continuing Education (DACE)
Local Sanctuary Award โ 2017
Digital Communities Wales
Local Sanctuary Award โ 2017
Down to Earth Project
Local Sanctuary Award โ 2017 & 2022
Ethnic Minorities and Youth Support Team (EYST)
Local Sanctuary Award โ 2016 & 2021
Fusion Project
Local Sanctuary Award โ 2021
Glynn Vivian Art Gallery
National Sanctuary Award โ 2021
First Gallery of Sanctuary in the UK
Gower College Swansea
National Sanctuary Award โ 2021
First FE College of Sanctuary in Wales
Humanities Department at Ysgol Gyfun Gลตyr
Local Sanctuary Award โ 2022
Linden Church
Local Sanctuary Award โ 2018
First Church of Sanctuary in Swansea
National Waterfront Museum
National Sanctuary Award โ 2018 & 2022 & 2026
First Museum of Sanctuary in the UK
Oxfam Castle Street
National Sanctuary Award โ 2014 & 2017 & 2021
First Shop of Sanctuary in the UK
St. James Church
Local Sanctuary Award โ 2022
Swansea Asylum Seeker Support (SASS)
Local Sanctuary Award โ 2021
Received a special award recognition for their commitment over many years to welcome and celebrate the contribution of refugees and asylum seekers in Swansea.
Swansea Council for Voluntary Service (SCVS)
Local Sanctuary Award โ 2016 & 2021
Swansea Library Service (Yes, thatโs all 17 libraries in Swansea!)
National Sanctuary Award โ 2024
Terence Higgins Trust Cymru
Local Sanctuary Award โ 2019
Unity in Diversity (UiD)
Local Sanctuary Award โ 2016 &2021
Wales Observatory on Human Rights of Children and Young People
Local Sanctuary Award โ 2017
Award-Winning Schools in Swansea
We are incredibly proud to have 22 local Schools of Sanctuary as of June 2026, joining the growing network of more than 1100 primary and secondary schools, nurseries and sixth forms all committed to creating a culture of welcome, understanding and belonging for those forced to flee.
If your school is interested in joining the network, please consider doing so via the City of Sanctuary website: Join the Movement.