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Dear Friends and Partners,
You are invited to join our upcoming event on Saturday 14th October, 15:30 – 18:00 (3:30pm – 6:00pm) at The National Waterfront Museum, SA1 3RD.
This a vital opportunity for us to collectively define the essence of Swansea City of Sanctuary (SCoS) in the eyes of our network and like-minded organisations. Our primary aim is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the support landscape, identify existing gaps, and determine if SCoS can step in to bridge those gaps. We also seek to delve into the expectations and needs that individuals and organisations have from SCoS as a supportive entity.
Your participation in this event is greatly appreciated, and even if you’re unable to attend on October 14th, we kindly request that you complete our survey by Friday, October 6th: https://forms.gle/JkfHJsMguyf2U1h66
What is it about?
Swansea City of Sanctuary stands for compassion, serving as a beacon that calls on organisations and individuals alike to extend sanctuary, friendship, and warmth to those seeking asylum in Swansea. These are individuals who have endured immeasurable losses and are striving to rebuild their lives, reconnect with their loved ones, and exercise their basic human right to seek asylum.
Supporting those who need our help is a fundamental moral imperative. To achieve this, we need your collaboration, your partnership, to chart the path forward together.
Why is it happening?
In our compassionate communities, a stark contrast emerges as our government adopts cruel immigration policies. The change in immigration law threatens to poison the essence of our society, outlining a blueprint for the mass detention of individuals, including children and pregnant women, who have done nothing more than seek refuge in our community.
We recognise:
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The imperative to create safe pathways for those seeking sanctuary, rather than shutting doors.
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The necessity to speed up the asylum process, ensuring fair and swift decisions instead of prolonged uncertainty, and to make sure people are fully supported in being heard.
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The demand to grant individuals seeking safety the opportunity to work and contribute to society.
What can we do to help to create a system that is compassionate, fair, and effective? Can we:
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Extend a warmer welcome to those seeking sanctuary, countering the government’s “hostile environment.”?
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Strengthen our movement, applying collective pressure for change?
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Demonstrate clearly that most people are welcoming so that those in power know they have public support to do the right thing?
As a City of Sanctuary group, our vision and methods align with a broader mission (see City of Sanctuary UK Charter), aiming to complement, not to duplicate or compete with, other refugee organisations. In Swansea, we’ve outlined areas of focus (see our Vision and Aims) but seek your guidance on priorities and potential unmet needs. Which of these things should we concentrate on? Should we be doing something else altogether? What will best help those seeking sanctuary in the long run? What is NOT being done to support them which could be done?
Now, more than ever, we cannot normalise senseless cruelty. We must champion compassion, a challenge we all share. The time has come to roll up our sleeves, invest our time and resources, connect with one another, and keep building sanctuary within our communities.
Where is it happening?
Venue: The National Waterfront Museum, SA1 3RD
Time: Saturday 14th October, 3:30pm – 6:00pm.
Who is invited?
This invite is open to all our past partners and anyone eager to join conversations that actively promote and cultivate compassion within our communities.
Please feel free to pass this invitation along to anyone you think might be interested.
How do you take part?
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Join us in person: Come to The National Waterfront Museum on Saturday October 14th from 3:30pm to 6:00pm. Engage in meaningful discussions, share your insights, and connect with like-minded individuals dedicated to promoting compassion and sanctuary in our community.
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Complete our survey: Whether you are able to attend or not, please take a few moments to complete our survey by Friday, October 6th. Your thoughts and opinions help to shape the future of Swansea City of Sanctuary – https://forms.gle/JkfHJsMguyf2U1h66.
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Spread the word: If you can’t attend, you can help by sharing this invitation with friends, family, or colleagues who may be interested in supporting our mission.
We must never forget the people have power. Change will come. Love will win.
In solidarity,
Swansea City of Sanctuary