Aberystwyth University creating pathways to peace in Wales.
Yesterday, the Welsh Refugee Council had the privilege of joining Aberystwyth University for an event that struck at the heart of what we stand for: amplifying voices, sharing stories, and building understanding. “Digital Storytelling: A Welsh Pathway to Peace” was a day of shining a light on how storytelling can connect people and inspire change.
The line-up brought together an impressive mix of academics, cultural leaders, and lived experience. The morning opened with Dr. Arddun Arwyn and Dr. Gillian McFadyen, who reminded us of something we don’t always talk about enough: Wales isn’t just a land of mountains and male voice choirs; it’s a land of migration. For centuries, people have come here in search of safety, work, and belonging. Hearing that history framed so clearly was a powerful reminder that migration has shaped—and continues to shape—our communities in countless ways.
Why storytelling matters
Storytelling has always been part of Welsh culture, and Professor Mererid Hopwood captured that beautifully in her session on its power and value. But let’s be honest: storytelling isn’t just about the warm glow of shared heritage. It’s about truth-telling. It’s about offering a platform for those who are too often overlooked or unheard. That’s what makes events like this so important—they remind us that everyone has a story worth telling, and listening to these stories changes how we see the world and each other.
Facing the tough stuff
Not every discussion yesterday was easy to hear—and that’s exactly how it should be. Dr. Joanne Elliot’s session on trauma-informed approaches to working with migrant communities hit home. For organisations like the Welsh Refugee Council, her insights reminded us how important it for organisations to hold space for people who have lived through unimaginable challenges.
But one of the most striking moments of the day came from our own panel, featuring Sabiha Azad, Sidra Rahimy, and Athina Summerbell. Their experiences brought an honesty and urgency to the conversation that no theory or abstract discussion ever could. Attendees listening to their stories, couldn’t help but reflect on how much work there is still to do—and how much we can achieve if we do it together.
For the Welsh Refugee Council, being part of an event like this is more than a moment of collaboration—it’s a sign of solidarity. Seeing Welsh institutions invest in projects like this makes a huge difference. It tells us, and the communities we serve, that we’re not in this alone.
And let’s face it, being heard matters. When we create spaces where sanctuary seekers, refugees and migrants can share their stories, it doesn’t just challenge stereotypes—it changes lives. Stories don’t just inform people; they humanise them. And in a world where division can feel louder than unity, storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have.
