'Huge majority' of Swindon care about refugees, says charity boss

That is the message from the Swindon City of Sanctuary charity which aims to provide welcoming and inclusive support for everyone who comes to the town, particularly those who are seeking refuge or asylum in the UK.

Manager Chloe Wolfe said: “It’s important that they know there is a huge majority of people here who care about them and want them to be part of the community. Focus on hospitality, not hostility."

Swindon Welcomes Ukraine and the Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership have worked with Swindon Borough Council to support citizens fleeing the war-torn Eastern European country after Russia invaded.

Earlier this year, the government announced extra funding for the local authority which will help Afghanistan refugees who have been housed in the Swindon Marriott hotel for months to find more suitable long-term accommodation in the area.

The Swindon Marriott hotel (Image: Newsquest)

Chloe stressed the importance of empathising with people in these difficult situations and ensuring they receive the support they need.

She said: “People who have fled a brutal regime and faced persecution have been living in hotels for too long, they should not be living there because that can cause trauma.

“People need to have accommodation that is safe and meets proper housing standards.

“Many people who are seeking sanctuary and waiting for asylum claims to be processed are not allowed to work, so we champion their right to work because they want to be involved in the community and earn their own money but are instead stuck in limbo for years."

Swindon City of Sanctuary organised events throughout Refugee Week, which included a Compassion in Action art exhibition at The Hub, Lawn Manor Academy's Celebration of Welcomes, and a community event at Swindon Central Library.

Create Studios is working with City of Sanctuary and other groups on the Stitch Your Story project that hosts workshops for people to make embroidered story bubbles about their lives that will be added to a huge banner in September. Email Emma@createstudios.org.uk to get involved.

Chloe added: “This week was brilliant and overwhelmingly positive. It makes you realise that we all have a connection with each other, we're all human beings.

“When you talk about the isolation refugees feel, a lot of people can understand and relate to that, and many people’s families have experience of migration.

“Swindon has 135 languages. We need to embrace people who are new here because we all deserve love."