Purpose:
Welcome and Settlement
Stimulus/Rationale:
Swansea Council has pledged its commitment to supporting its status as a City of Sanctuary – welcoming those fleeing from war/persecution.
Process:
Examples of 2 actions supporting this:
Partner Organisations - Swansea City of Sanctuary and Swansea Council for Voluntary Services
The ‘Better Welcome to Swansea’ project is a mentoring scheme. Local volunteer Mentors are recruited and trained to support people seeking sanctuary (primarily newly arrived asylum seekers), to feel welcome. The aim of the scheme is to promote integration between asylum seekers and refugees and people in local Swansea communities. The project provides support both in groups and individually to increase sanctuary seekers’ knowledge of the Swansea area whilst encouraging active participation in day-to-day activities. It is a short-term support with the aim of building confidence and reducing isolation for its participants empowering them to do things for themselves, rather than becoming dependent.
Vulnerable Person’s Resettlement Scheme – Swansea Council has taken part in this UK Government Scheme to resettle families who have fled from Syria to neighbouring countries. It works with partners to help families settle into life in Swansea – including housing, healthcare, education, English classes, English support in schools, training and assistance with employment and general orientation.
Swansea affirms its support as a city of Sanctuary on its website.
