In this Christmas special, I explore what the nativity story teaches us about welcoming refugees and asylum seekers today with @welshrefcouncil.bsky.social & chaplains from Cardiff University. Listen here: spareathought.podbean.com/e/jesus-was-...

Nation of Sanctuary Awards 2026 nominations are now OPEN 🌟 Every day, incredible individuals and groups work tirelessly to create welcoming spaces. And now is your chance to give them the recognition they deserve! ✅ Everything you need to nominate is right here: wrc.wales/nation-of-sa...

When someone is recognised as a refugee but only offered a short-term status, what follows isn’t safety: it’s limbo. Read our full statement to hear why the UK Government's proposals will lead to insecurity without solving any of the real issues ⬇️ wrc.wales/our-response...

Lets show people that Wales really is a Nation of Sanctuary - help me raise some needed funds to support the work @welshrefcouncil.bsky.social do .... www.justgiving.com/page/restart...

#halfterm feel like too long ago? Last week was extra-special for our sanctuary seeking families who had some exciting first experiences and formed new friendships 🌿 wrc.wales/what-happene...

Sanctuary seekers are ready to give back to communities who welcomed them and build a stronger Wales for everyone. Current barriers to employment for people who are here and willing to contribute just don't make sense. But there's a solution: businessnewswales.com/is-the-solut...

We're hiring 📣 Our caseworkers are at the heart of our work 🧡 If you're passionate about supporting sanctuary seekers and refugees to build connections in communities, then this is the opportunity for you ⬇️

Next Saturday, our friends at Senedd 4 Ukraine have organised a whole day to celebrate films and stories from Ukraine! Saturday 20 September 📅 Chapter Cardiff CF5 1QE 📍 Tickets are FREE but limited: bit.ly/ukrfest2025 So make sure you don't miss out

Stronger communities are forged when we stand together, looking out for one another🧡 This week's Westminster event reminded us of the support for building places rooted in fairness and safety. @scotrefugeecouncil.bsky.social and @refugeecouncil.bsky.social what a pleasure to work together

Fantastic to have such strong supporters for a fairer Wales for all 🧡 diolch o galon

Our team had the best time at Glitter Pride 🌈 Groups like Glitter Cymru who create such important spaces for LGBTQI+ people, including sanctuary seekers and refugees. Diolch o galon to all who made our first Glitter Pride so memorable!

Want a job that really makes a difference? We have three NEW vacancies at the Welsh Refugee Council! Join the team where every day you'll work with sanctuary seekers and refugees to build strong connections and better futures 🧡

Growing together for #WorldNatureConservationDay 🌱 Sanctuary seeking children and their families spent the day in nature in the beautiful Global Gardens project The children foraged fruits to make apple and blackberry jam with their mums. Dished out over yoghurt, it was absolutely delicious!

Our response to the restart of Syrian asylum decisions 🧵

Lots of us feel our mental and physical health go hand in hand, but what does this look like in reality? Over the last year, together with Cardiff University we've been learning how treating mental and physical health together can lead to better results than treating each separately ❤️

Introducing @cardiff-hub.bsky.social's new teen book group! 📖 Open to all teenagers aged 13 to 16 years old First session on Thursday 10 July so register your interest today: bit.ly/460xZkE

For 7 months, Syrian individuals and families across the UK have been stuck in limbo, with no control over their future. The UK Government's decision to pause decisions on Syrian asylum and settlement cases has a huge human cost Here's Tuka's story: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

What happens at a Welsh Refugee Council housing forum? We meet with refugees to: Provide accurate housing information ✅ Offer alternatives to social housing, including private rentals and shared accommodation ✅ Empower individuals to make the best decision for them ✅

Your story matters — all year round 🧡 We're inviting people across Wales to share their migration stories. And we'd love you to help us create a collection of stories to reflect the experiences and cultures in Wales today. wrc.wales/shaping-nati...

Passionate about advocacy and change? Join Welsh Refugee Council as our new Communications Manager! You'll lead a campaign to amplify the voices and lived experiences of people seeking sanctuary and build meaningful relationships with political leaders 🧡 wrc.wales/communicatio...

We are committed to working together for a Wales where everyone has a safe place to call home 🏠 Last week our Housing Policy and Research Lead Gareth shared insights from our work with sanctuary seeking communities @senedd.wales Local Government and Housing Committee. Our recommendations:

Pride. Hope. Happiness. Solidarity. Gratitude. We have felt it all this week 🧡 We'll be carrying the spirit of this @refugeeweek.bsky.social into all that we do to make Wales a #Nation\ofSanctuary. One thing is for certain, if you look close enough, you'll find an orange heart to lead the way

"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.” 🧡 Check out this beautiful storytelling project this #WorldRefugeeDay

We spoke to the lovely folk @bigissue.com about why the Nation of Sanctuary vision in Wales is more important than ever @refugeeweek.bsky.social Read the story: www.bigissue.com/news/social-...

We haven't stopped smiling! Thanks for being part of such a special night, Brian, and our favourite way to start @refugeeweek.bsky.social 🧡

Introducing the inspiring winners of the #NationOfSanctuary 2025 Awards! Grassroots champions, bold advocates - they're doing it all 🧡 Read their stories: wrc.wales/meet-your-20... #NationOfSanctuary #Wales #RefugeesWelcome #RefugeeWeek

Diolch o galon @jennyrathbone.bsky.social for supporting the Nation of Sanctuary Awards and standing in solidarity with people in search of safety in Wales and beyond 🧡

Our friends DPIA Wales are running an important Advocacy Forum this month with @victimsupport.bsky.social offering advice on hate crime experiences Thursday 19 June 2025, 10-11am Join on Zoom - ID: 972 1317 5675 This session is open to everyone - contact the team if you need help with data costs 💻

Language matters ⬇️ We will not stand by while policies and rhetoric dehumanises migrants, as we know stoking this division can lead to real harm for our communities. We're here for a #NationOfSanctuary that welcomes all 🧡 @asylummatters.bsky.social @oasiscdf.bsky.social

June is here which means @refugeeweek.bsky.social is just around the corner! It's all about taking part in a Simple Acts to stand in solidarity with refugees. Every act shows the power of community and connection 🧡

Worried you'd missed out on a 2025 Cardiff Half Marathon place? Run with us! Welsh Refugee Council has 5 charity places available 🏅 By running with us, you’ll help us support refugees and sanctuary seekers across Wales. Now is the time to get moving: runforcharity.com/welsh-refuge...

Proud to stand in solidarity with friends and colleagues to be part of this movement 🧡 Every day we hear stories of people who fled war and persecution to seek safety and a chance to rebuild. They are not strangers. They are our neighbours, colleagues, and members of our communities.

Looking for a job where you can make a difference? Join our team at the Welsh Refugee Council as an Advice and Support Caseworker 💼 Applications open until Monday 9 June: wrc.wales/advice-and-s...

We @praxisprojects.bsky.social have coordinated this letter signed by over 100 refugee, migrant and racial equality organisations asking to meet with Yvette Cooper. Govt. must engage properly with civil society and we are ready to have a meaningful conversation. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...

It's almost the end of Mental Health Awareness Week, but we know good mental health is something we all deserve, every day of the year. Find out about our research with @platfform.org and how valuing community and respect can transform our support systems🧡 wrc.wales/building-com...

The current #asylumsystem is broken — it leaves people in limbo, blocks them from contributing, and serves no one well. Our response to that white paper and speech ⬇️ wrc.wales/our-response...

Curious about how migration has shaped Wales? Want to hear powerful real-life stories and uncover the history of belonging? This free workshop is your chance to dive in: 🎤 Engaging discussions that build knowledge 📆 Thursday 15 May ⚡ Claim your space now: ow.ly/oPSK50VQTAi

📣 FREE Ukrainian poetry evening @cdflibraries.bsky.social Come along for powerful voices, moving words, and shared connection 🌻

🔔 Last call 🔔 Don’t miss your chance to join not one but TWO online learning events we're hosting tomorrow! Both are your opportunities to sign up and be part of important conversations that inspire action and understanding.

🎉 Big changes at Sanctuary Coalition Cymru and we couldn't be more excited 🎉 We’re so happy to welcome our new Chair, Miranda, and Vice Chair, Annie, to the team! Both bring so much heart, experience, and passion for making Wales a true #NationOfSanctuary 🧡

✍️ What do poetry, tired feet, and a 160-mile journey across Wales have in common? They're all part of Ifor ap Glyn’s mission to raise money for refugees! Find out about his magnificent journey and why not join him for a poem or two along the way www.justgiving.com/page/ifor-ap...

Ready for #RefugeeWeek? 👀 Our top 5 tips for opportunities, ideas, and meetups to help you be part of this GLOBAL festival celebrating refugees and sanctuary seekers 🧡 wrc.wales/5-ways-to-sh...

📣 Event incoming We spoke to over 200 Ukrainian refugees to find out about the barriers and solutions to accessing housing in Wales. Join us for our report launch to hear their voices, ask questions, and help us push for action ⬇️ 📅 7 May | 💻 Online 🎟️ Book www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/report-lau...

How Right to Rent has allowed bias and racism to flourish in the private rental sector. It’s misunderstood by landlords, unfit for purposes and pushes renters into homelessness. Why the policy must be scrapped as part of the #RentersRightsBill 👉🏻 shltr.org.uk/SfmkQ

Sanctuary seekers experience difficult and long journeys to find safety in Wales. It's why we're so grateful to Ifor ap Glyn for embarking on his own journey, walking 160 miles across Cymru to raise funds for #refugees and sanctuary seekers🧡 Support his journey ➡️ www.justgiving.com/page/ifor-ap...

What does trauma-informed support look like? Find out through this vital research with @platfform.org

Join in: Advocacy Forum for sanctuary seekers and refugees Our friends at Displaced People in Action will be discussing what happens next for Syrian nationals in Wales. 🗣️ Arabic translation available on request Facing uncertainty? Come along to share experiences and create change ⬇️

Exploring employability with Lidl 🚀 We had the pleasure of working with Lidl to match refugees with the information and opportunity to get prepared for the world of work! Know of a business we should collaborate with? Let us know ⬇️ wrc.wales/exploring-em...

Join us for this FREE online workshop to learn about Wales' migration story of the past and present! ⬇️

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗴𝗲𝗲𝘀? We're looking for passionate individuals to guide us as we support the rights of refugees and sanctuary seekers 🧡 ➡️ wrc.wales/become-a-tru... #NationOfSanctuary #RefugeeRights #MakeADifference