News
23rd June 2025 | Celebrations
Pride is protest. Pride is protection. Pride is a promise.
When we step onto the streets of Cardiff for the Pride march—draped in rainbows, chanting for love and liberation—it is more than just a celebration. It’s a lifeline. For many LGBTQIA+ people seeking sanctuary in Wales, Pride represents a freedom they were never allowed to express in the countries they fled. This is why the …
17th June 2025 | Celebrations
Meet your 2025 Nation of Sanctuary Award winners
Last night we shared stories of courage and community as we gathered for the 2025 Nation of Sanctuary Awards. Hosted by the Welsh Refugee Council, this year’s celebration marked the fourth edition of the awards — and once again reminded us that sanctuary is built not only through policies, but through people. From the powerful, …
4th June 2025 | Celebrations
Turning community into a superpower this Refugee Week
By Grace Watt For the past five years we have seen an incredible turnout for A Day of Welcome by schools. Last year over 550 schools engaged with the day to kick start Refugee Week and help build a culture of welcome so that learners could understand more about the lives of those seeking sanctuary. …
23rd May 2025 | Celebrations
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 …
14th May 2025 | Celebrations
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 …
13th May 2025 | Celebrations
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. …
24th April 2025 | Celebrations
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 …
10th April 2025 | Celebrations
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 …
24th March 2025 | Celebrations
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 …
26th February 2025 | Celebrations
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 …