Speaking from Experience Rebecca Scott, Wales Cities of Sanctuary Co-ordinator rebecca@dpia.org.uk and Tahir, Volunteer Sanctuary Speaker

City of Sanctuary City of Sanctuary is a movement committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for people seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. Our network of local groups includes boroughs, towns and cities across the UK and Ireland, all committed to building this culture of welcome across every sphere of society. Wherever people seeking sanctuary go, we want them to feel safe and find people who will welcome them, understand why they are here and recognise the contributions people seeking sanctuary make in our communities.

Swansea City of Sanctuary Became the UK’s Second City of Sanctuary (and Wales’ first) in 2010. Adopt a city wide approach, involving groups and institutions across sectors, including private, public, third sector (and schools!) Over 130 organisations support our vision, of Swansea as a welcoming, safe place, and we have over 100 registered volunteers. “It’s what our supporters do”

Manifestations of ‘Welcome’ Visual & Overt:

Manifestations of Welcome Practical and ‘hands on’: Sourcing donations, volunteering as a ‘Welcome to Swansea’ mentor, providing ‘drop-in’ sessions, delivering English classes, providing volunteering opportunities for people seeking sanctuary, providing other meaningful recreational activities for people seeking sanctuary.

Manifestations of Welcome Learning more and meeting a face behind the ‘labels’. The Sanctuary Speakers are a team of volunteers who act as the public face of Swansea City of Sanctuary. By speaking directly to organisations, many of which will be pledged supporters of City of Sanctuary, speakers provide a valuable insight into the life of refugees and asylum seekers.

Personal Experiences