Sanctuary Awards

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

Swansea has been recognising Sanctuary work since 2014, becoming the first city in the UK to create local awards – 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, we’ve 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. 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 – 2016

Circus Eruption
Local Sanctuary Award – 2019

Department of Adult Continuing Education (DACE)
Local Sanctuary Award – 2017

Digital Communities Wales
Local Sanctuary Award – 2017

Down to Earth Project
Local Sanctuary Award – 2017 & 2022

Ethnic Minorities and Youth Support Team (EYST)
Local Sanctuary Award – 2016 & 2021

Fusion Project
Local Sanctuary Award – 2021

Glynn Vivian Art Gallery
National Sanctuary Award – 2021
First Gallery of Sanctuary in the UK

Gower College Swansea
National Sanctuary Award – 2021
First FE College of Sanctuary in Wales

Humanities Department at Ysgol Gyfun Gŵyr
Local Sanctuary Award – 2022

Linden Church
Local Sanctuary Award – 2018
First Church of Sanctuary in Swansea

National Waterfront Museum
National Sanctuary Award – 2018 & 2022
First Museum of Sanctuary in the UK

Oxfam Castle Street
National Sanctuary Award – 2014 & 2017 & 2021
First Shop of Sanctuary in the UK

St. James Church
Local Sanctuary Award – 2022

Swansea Asylum Seeker Support (SASS)
Local Sanctuary Award – 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 – 2016 & 2021

Terence Higgins Trust Cymru
Local Sanctuary Award – 2019

Unity in Diversity (UiD)
Local Sanctuary Award – 2016 &2021

Wales Observatory on Human Rights of Children and Young People
Local Sanctuary Award – 2017