News

Sewing machine needle.
23rd May 2025 |

Stitched journeys: stories of belonging in Wales

One spring evening in Swansea, the quiet hum of sewing machines mixed with laughter, conversation, and the occasional word of encouragement in Spanish, Portuguese, and English. Around a table scattered with fabric and thread, people from Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela, Mexico, Spain, Wales, and beyond stitched pieces of themselves into a collective quilt. Together they …

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Our response to the “restoring control” immigration white paper
14th May 2025 |

Our response to the “restoring control” immigration white paper

At the Welsh Refugee Council, we hear the stories every day — of people who fled war and persecution, seeking safety and a chance to rebuild. They are not strangers. They are our neighbours, colleagues, and members of our communities.  We understand that many in the UK are concerned about immigration — those concerns are …

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Welsh Refugee Council team members working together at the team day.
13th May 2025 |

Building compassionate support for sanctuary seekers in Wales

For Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re looking at the power of community and building human connections for people experiencing the asylum system.  By Nabil Moghal The Heart of Help report, commissioned by Platfform and conducted by the Welsh Refugee Council, offers a compelling roadmap to transform how support services in Wales engage with sanctuary seekers. …

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5 ways to show up and stand up for Refugee Week 2025
24th April 2025 |

5 ways to show up and stand up for Refugee Week 2025

Mark your diaries: Refugee Week 2025 is just around the corner! Celebrating the contributions, resilience, and creativity of refugees is an important part of our work every day of the year, and we’re especially pleased to join in this GLOBAL festival from 16 to 22 June 2025. This year’s theme of Community as a Superpower …

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Woman holding a motanka to her face.
10th April 2025 |

Another battle for survival

We are extremely proud to launch our research into the housing experiences of Ukrainians in Wales. Over the past year, we spoke with more than 200 Ukrainians, as well as experts and local authorities. Our goal was to understand the housing challenges Ukrainians have faced since arriving in Wales after the full-scale Russian invasion. You …

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Employability staff at a Welsh Refugee Council event presentation.
24th March 2025 |

Exploring employability with Lidl

At our employability event earlier this month, we experienced the power of collaboration in creating meaningful employment opportunities for refugees. A key highlight for us was the spotlight employer presentation by Michael Tallis, Regional Recruitment Manager for Lidl. Michael provided valuable insights into Lidl’s job opportunities and recruitment process, while also emphasising the brand-new partnership …

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Artwork from Ukraine commemoration of the invasion.
26th February 2025 |

The shared history of Ukraine and Wales

Monday 24 February saw the passing of a solemn day for Ukrainians around the world. The day marked the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion. The massive escalation in the war – now in its 11th year – shocked the world. In continuing solidarity with Ukrainians, the people of Wales continue a long connection with …

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group photo of the Welsh Refugee Council team.
19th February 2025 |

Be the voice of change: join our community programme

We believe in the power of lived experience to shape policy; improve communities; and create real, lasting change. That’s why we’re calling for passionate sanctuary seekers and refugees across Wales to join us and become Community Changemakers! As a Changemaker, you’ll work alongside decision-makers, educate your community about housing rights, and help shape the future …

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Threads of belonging: weaving stories of migration
14th February 2025 |

Threads of belonging: weaving stories of migration

On a chilly Friday morning in Wales, west Carmarthen to be precise, we hosted our first heritage workshop of the new year to understand how migration has influenced the Welsh culture we know and love. With representatives from a range of countries that could have resembled a UN summit — Wales, Iran, Kurdistan, Nigeria, England, …

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Statement: Jane Hutt MS on the Nation of Sanctuary commitment
12th February 2025 |

Statement: Jane Hutt MS on the Nation of Sanctuary commitment

Yesterday, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt MS, reaffirmed the Welsh Government’s unwavering commitment to Wales as a Nation of Sanctuary. The Welsh Refugee Council fully supports this vision and welcomes the continued leadership Wales has shown in creating a society where those seeking sanctuary can rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.  …

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