Swindon City of Sanctuary seeks to build a culture of welcome, inclusion and support for everyone in Swindon, with a focus on those seeking sanctuary from war and persecution.

We do this by bringing people and organisations together, raising awareness and celebrating our diverse town.

Why the community needs us
For us, it's vital that people understand the importance of community, and how we all benefit from having someone to lean on. Our aim is for everyone who lives in Swindon to feel welcome here. Our work aims to decrease the isolation and loneliness felt by many and create a community where people who are new to Swindon feel able to build a life here together with others who have been here a long time. Our work helps break down barriers to social isolation and to help the community better understand the positive impact of migration, the reality of the UK asylum system and why being a welcoming and inclusive town is beneficial to us all.

Over the past year, we’ve supported those in our community through:       

- Our fortnightly community group for families, with over 900 visits 
- Our weekly evening social, with over 356 visits 
- Working with 40+ organisations in Swindon to promote welcome and inclusion
- Loaning out 36 Family Activity Boxes to Schools which help start conversations about home, welcome and community.
- Educating 1000 school children in 15 local schools      
- Engaging over 1000 people in Refugee Week and other events celebrating the different cultures in our town.        


We have made a positive impact in many ways – but the hostile environment for many is only getting worse, and there is still much more to be done. 

We thank you for your support in making Swindon a welcoming place for all.