The Welcome to Swansea scheme is a brand new project which aims to provide a warm welcome to sanctuary seekers when they first arrive in Swansea.

Sanctuary seekers will be met by a volunteer mentor who will introduce them to places, people and groups. The purpose of the scheme is to promote integration and ensure that sanctuary seekers are able to meet their aspirations in their new home.

We are looking for volunteers. If you feel you’ve got what it takes to make a crucial difference at a pivotal point in someone’s life then please contact us.

We will be holding training sessions for volunteer mentors at the following times and places:

• Thursday 6th August 9:30am -1:30pm. Swansea Council for Voluntary Service (see map)*
• Tuesday 11th August. 4:30pm to 6pm. Unity in Diversity Swansea (see map)
• Tuesday 13th August. 4:30pm to 6pm. Unity in Diversity Swansea (see map)
• Tuesday 1st September. 9:30am -1:30pm. Swansea Council for Voluntary Service (see map)*

* bus fares refunded for these sessions

Please contact Hannah to sign up or to find out more.

Email: hannah@dpia.org.uk

Phone: 07496 172896

About Us

The “Welcome to Swansea” project started in 2015 and is part of the City of Sanctuary movement. The staff are employed by Displaced People in Action.

We aim to welcome refugees and asylum seekers and promote their well-being.

What does a mentor do?

A mentor is a trained volunteer who supports people to access the things that they want and need to be doing. For instance they might:

• Demonstrate bus routes.
• Show affordable places to shop.
• Give information on health and social care services.
• Support people to find social and leisure activities.
• Support people to find training and volunteering opportunities.

The mentoring process aims to support a person to become as independent as possible. The relationship is a short, but powerful one.

Could you give someone a warm Swansea welcome?

If so then why not become a volunteer mentor?

Mentors provide a crucial service at an important time in people’s lives. Many asylum seekers who arrive in Swansea may not know the place, systems…and most importantly the people. Having a friendly face to provide a welcome can make all the difference.

Who can become a mentor?

Anyone can become a mentor. We particularly welcome applications from people who have experience of seeking sanctuary or who live in areas close to Sanctuary seekers.

We do ask for some skills and attributes which are outlined in the role description.

What does it cost?

Nothing! The project is free to volunteers. We will also pay for bus fares and other expenses when you are volunteering with us.

The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but reveal to him his own.
Benjamin Disraeli

How do I get involved?

If you would like to get involved or find out more then please contact us. We will be very happy to talk to you.

What is involved?

The project involves 3 stages:

1. Initial induction and training period: Where we find out a bit about you and tell you about the scheme.
2. Regular sessions with a participant: There will usually be between 2 and 8 sessions. They usually last 2-4 hours each.
3. An evaluation session: to see how useful it has been and how we can improve.

We offer you the opportunity to mentor as often as you like.

Contact Us:

Our Swansea office is at SCVS (see map). Please feel free to drop in and see us!

Contact

Email: hannah@dpia.org.uk
Web: http://swansea.cityofsanctuary.org/
Phone: 07821 629673
(If you send us a text or email then we can call you back)

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