Talking sanctuary with Wales, Africa, and the World

Having to start life in a new country can be daunting for anyone. For people seeking sanctuary in Wales, those first days and months can feel isolating and overwhelming. And yet they can also be a time when a little support makes all the difference. Through the Nation of Sanctuary vision, charities like ours can offer practical help and guidance to give people the chance to rebuild their lives with dignity.

Beth, our Head of Governance and Impact, recently joined the Wales, Africa, and the World podcast to explore exactly how Wales provides that support, and what might happen if these services were lost. She spoke about how community stability and compassionate support empower people to contribute and thrive, turning Wales into a true Nation of Sanctuary.

One important point Beth shared in this episode, is that immigration policy is not devolved. But while these decisions are made at a UK level, Wales can decide how people are supported once they arrive. That’s where a more compassionate, practical approach comes in through being a Nation of Sanctuary.

And language has a key role to play. We know that access to English and Welsh lessons isn’t just about learning words: it’s about building confidence and connections. Every day we see first-hand that when people can communicate, they’re able to work, participate, and contribute.

“We’re often the trusted place that people feel understood and accepted and welcome.” Beth

And for sanctuary seekers, this early support is crucial. Those first few days and months can be an incredibly vulnerable time for someone to experience on their own. Through our casework, our teams are there for people in those moments when they need it the most. Clear information from someone you trust can make the difference between accessing healthcare, education for your children, and opening doors for your future. Our case workers are there every step of the way and can connect to the people they support, as over half of our team have experienced the route to sanctuary themselves.

“What we all want to do as human beings, as sanctuary seekers, is to integrate, to belong.” Numair

Thanks to the communities built around the Nation of Sanctuary vision, there are now groups and individuals who are reacting and responding to the needs of sanctuary seekers. In the podcast episode, Beth is joined by Numair who set up Glitter Cymru and provides grassroots support for LGBTQI+ sanctuary seekers, refugees, and members of the Global Majority. By working together, our support systems can give people the best start to life in Wales.

Listen to the full conversation to hear what would happen if we lost the Nation of Sanctuary vision in Wales and what gives Beth and Numair hope for the future.

Find out how you can stand with Glitter Cymru.