Asylum Seeker and Refugee Support Network - Directory of Services and Links

Supporting Asylum Seekers and Refugees in the Swansea area

Directory of Services & Links

*Note that this directory is in development, additional/updated information regarding existing or new services would be very welcome.

Contact: ​ wayneyare@gmail.com

USEFUL CONTACTS

Police Non Emergency

101 or 01792 456999

Emergency (fire ­ ambulance ­ police) 999 Hate Crime (help and advice)

101 or 01792 456999

Community Engagement

01792 456999

Hospitals Singleton

01792 205666

Morriston

01792 702222

Health Access Team

01792 517882

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African Community Centre African, Afro­Caribbean and British Africans who are currently resident in Wales. ACC aim to provide advice and support to enable you to better settle About into the local community. ACC Wales also run educational programmes for people of all ages and abilities including English language, citizenship, and information on various health issues.

Services

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English Classes Group Activities Counselling Mums and Tots Group Creative Art Therapy 1 to 1 Help

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Young Person's Project Drop­in Provision Signposting and referrals Mentoring Access to training opportunities Volunteering opportunities

Address 94 Walter Road, Swansea, SA1 5QE Telephone 01792 470298 Email info@africancommunitycentre.org.uk Website www.africancommunitycentre.org.uk

Asylum Seeker Health Team About Local NHS provision supporting Asylum Seekers and Refugees Services Access to Health Services Address Central Clinic: 21 Orchard St, Swansea. SA1 5AT Telephone 01792 517882

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Neath Port Talbot Carer Services Services Support for hidden black minority/ethnic group carers Address Orchard Street – Neath ­ West Glamorgan ­ SA11 1HA Telephone 01639 642277

Athena Counselling Service As integrative counsellors and psychotherapists, our approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients resolve current issues. With sensitivity and understanding we help our clients to find solutions to a wide range of life challenges and psychological issues. Counselling and psychotherapy are tools to help you About manage your life better. We work with each client to help them build on their strengths to identify and achieve their goals. We have been working in the counselling sector for many years and have a wealth of education and experience to offer our clients.

Services Trauma Therapy/Counselling Services.

Address 107 Walter Road, Swansea. SA1 5QQ Telephone 01792 828580 Email info@athenacounsellingservices.com / Website www.athenacounsellingservices.com​

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BAWSO Provide generic and specialist services including the provision of temporary accommodation in Wales for those suffering from domestic abuse and all forms of Services violence; including Female Genital Mutilation, Forced Marriage, Honour Based Violence and Human Trafficking. *Volunteering Opportunities*

Address 63 Mansel Street, Swansea. SA1 5TN Telephone 01792 642003 Email Info@bawso.org.uk Website www.bawso.org.uk

British Red Cross About

The British Red Cross helps vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees access essential services and adjust to life in a new country

*Volunteer Opportunities*. Family Tracking Service ­ Tenancy Support Services ­ Health and Wellbeing ­ Mentoring Scheme ­ Clothing Project ­ Voucher Scheme for Services British Red Cross Shops ­ Training ­ Opportunities to Volunteer with the Society ­ Befriending Scheme for young people.

Address Kidwelly House, Charter Court, Phoenix Way, Swansea. SA7 9FS Telephone 01792 772146 Email information@redcross.org.uk Website www.redcross.org.uk/Where­we­work/In­the­UK/Wales/Wales

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Caer Las Access Point The Outreach Project is for people who are homeless, threatened with homelessness or experiencing housing issues. Support is provided by a knowledgeable team who can help people gain a better understanding of their rights and the options available to About them, depending on their circumstances. We also like to create more positive opportunities and experiences for people. These are often group activities which help people to build confidence and feel more valued in their community.

Our team offer one to one confidential support and advice with matters such as:­ Housing Benefits ­ Budgeting ­ Health care ­ Substance misuse ­ Resettlement In Services addition to practical advice and support, the team is also skilled at listening and helping people with the emotional impact of their circumstances.

Address Access Point: The Strand, Swansea. SA1 2AW Telephone 01792 467024 Email enquiries@caerlas.org Website www.caerlas.org/outreach­project

Caer Las Furniture Scheme About

Caer Las Furniture Scheme provides a service to people in need of low cost second­hand recycled furniture in south Wales.

Services Low cost second­hand furniture.Volunteers greatly welcomed!

Address Hafod Yard,1333 Neath Rd, Swansea. SA1 2LF Telephone 01792 653553 Email cfs@caerlas.org Website www.caerlas.org

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Citizens Advice Bureau The advice service that we provide is available to everyone, regardless of ethnic origin, age, religious beliefs, disability, health status, sexuality, gender, and language. Our About commitment is to you, and to providing you with an efficient service, that’s why we are introducing new measures to help reduce waiting time, make our service easier to reach and to be there for you when you need us the most.

Confidential and impartial service; and can advise on all aspects of the law, including your rights and responsibilities. The advice service that we provide is available to Services everyone, regardless of ethnic origin, age, religious beliefs, disability, health status, sexuality, gender, and language.

Address Pleasant Street, Swansea. SA1 5DS Telephone 01792 474882 Website www.swanseaneathporttalbotcab.org.uk

City Temple About

We are a lively, growing church of all ages from all walks of life and over 40 nationalities who have found, in Jesus, true purpose and meaning in life! ★

Services

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Food­Bank: Wednesdays ­ 10am till 12pm in the basement of the church (Trussle Trust) English classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays ­ 10:30am Foundation 1 Classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays ­ 6:00pm

Address Dyfatty Street, Swansea. SA1 1QQ Telephone 01792 648927 Email info@elimswansea.org.uk Website www.elimswansea.org.uk 6

Displaced People in Action (DPIA) Displaced People in Action (DPIA) is a registered charity that has been helping displaced people (refugees and asylum seekers) integrate into their new lives in Wales About since 2001.Our mission statement is to provide specialist services and projects to refugees and people seeking asylum across Wales in order for them to successfully integrate into the community.

Services

Provide specialist services and projects to refugees and people seeking asylum across Wales in order for them to successfully integrate into the community.

Address Grove House ­ 3 Grove Place – Swansea ­ SA1 5DF Telephone 07805 064 196 Email liz@dpia.org.uk Website www.dpia.org.uk

EYST: Ethnic Youth Support Team Aimed to fill a gap in provision for young BME people aged 11­25 by providing a targeted, culturally sensitive and holistic support service to meet their needs. EYST About has since gone from strength to strength, and now employs a team of 15 staff, and thanks to funding from a wide range of funders is able to deliver a range of services from education, employment & health to personal and community safety.

Services

Volunteering project. Family Link. Bridging Cultures. Asylum Seeker and Refugee Support. BME Voice Project. My Space Project. Think Project

Address Ty John Penri ­ 11 St Helen's Road – Swansea ­ SA1 4AB Telephone 01792 466980 Email info@eyst.org.uk Website www.eyst.org.uk/ 7

Info­Nation Information, advice and support for 11­25 year olds in Swansea.

At the centre of our services is Info­Nation's one­stop shop. The centre is open to anyone between the ages of 11 and 25. We are based in the centre of Swansea, on the Services Kingsway. This a single place where you can walk in and pick up information for yourself, talk to a member of staff or get support and advice on a wide range of subjects.

Address 47 The Kingsway – Swansea ­ SA1 5HG Telephone 01792 484010 Website www.info­nation.org.uk/

Housing Options About Housing Options is the Council's housing advice service.

Free advice and information about housing including applying for council housing, Services renting privately, homelessness and debt/money advice. Housing Options can also help you if you are having problems in your current home.

Address 17 High Street, Swansea. SA1 1LH Telephone 01792 533100 Email housing.options@swansea.gov.uk Website www.swansea.gov.uk/article/4708/Housing­Options

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Re­Cycle Catherine Street (alley between number 19A and the Mill Pub), off Bryn y Mor Road, Swansea. Good bikes that would normally go to waste can be donated to Re­Cycle at About the workshop in Swansea. Re­Cycle was set up as a social enterprise almost 7 years ago to reduce the widespread waste of bikes, keep Swansea supplied with reliable and affordable bikes and to provide training in cycle maintenance.

Services Volunteer Opportunities (rewarded with a bicycle). Affordable Bicycles.

Address Catherine Street, Swansea, SA1 4NE. Telephone 07847 474880 Email recycleswansea@ymail.com Website www.recyclesouthwales.wordpress.com

Sands Cymru About Reducing Drug and Alcohol Harm.

Open Access / Drop in service ­ Young Persons Service: The Place ­ Family Service (Hidden Harm / Strengthening Family) ­ Tenancy Support ­ Campaigns: i.e Overdose & Services Naloxone, Mephedrone, Hepatitis, Outreach ­ Young Offenders Service ­ Needle Exchange ­ LINKS (Education, Training and Employment project) ­ Health Promotion and Awareness Raising.

Address Mansel Street, Swansea. SA1 5TR Telephone 01792 472002 Email info@sandscymru.org Website www.sandscymru.org/

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SHELTER Cymru Shelter Cymru is Wales’ people and homes charity. We believe that a decent secure About home is a fundamental right and essential to the health and well­being of people and communities.

We provide independent specialist advice, advocacy and legal representation for anyone with housing problems. Last year, our advisers provided face­to­face help for nearly 16,000 people from all over Wales, helping to prevent homelessness in 86 per cent of cases where it was threatened. Meanwhile, more than 100,000 people visited Services our Advice Online pages for help. Through our campaigning, research and policy work we influence the legislative agenda relating to housing and homelessness in Wales, while our education service aims to prevent homelessness by working with young people and providing detailed teaching and learning resources.

Address 25 Walter Rd – Swansea ­ SA1 5NN Telephone 0845 075 5005 Website www.sheltercymru.org.uk

SBASSG: Swansea Bay Asylum Seeker Support Group We organise "community drop­ins" every week for asylum­seekers and refugees, other newcomers and residents, families and people on their own. About 150 people come every week for: free refreshments, play for children (with professional playworkers in About the Welcome to Play project), English learning and conversation, advice, information, table­tennis, chess and other games, and friendship. We also organise or help organise special events. And we publish refugee literature with Hafan Books.

Services

Drop­in Service. Saturdays 2pm to 5pm. Meals. ESOL classes. Support. Befriending.

Signposting. Children's Playgroup

Address 11 Clarence Terrace ­ , Swansea ­ SA1 3QT Email marilyn­thomas@lineone.net Website www.sites.google.com/site/swanseabassgroup 10

SBASSG: Swansea Bay Asylum Seeker Support Group We organise "community drop­ins" every week for asylum­seekers and refugees, other newcomers and residents, families and people on their own. About 150 people come every week for: free refreshments, play for children (with professional playworkers in the About Welcome to Play project), English learning and conversation, advice, information, table­tennis, chess and other games, and friendship. We also organise or help organise special events. And we publish refugee literature with Hafan Books.

Services

Drop­in Service. Fridays 5pm to 7pm. Meals. ESOL classes. Support. Befriending.

Signposting. Children's Playgroup

Address Brunswick Methodist Church, St. Helen's Rd, Swansea. SA1 4DG Email marilyn­thomas@lineone.net Website www.sites.google.com/site/swanseabassgroup

Skanda Vale Skanda Vale is a multi­faith ashram (or monastery) near Carmarthen in Wales. It was founded on pure Sanathana Dharma; the timeless consciousness of God, as taught by Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita. We believe that all religions stem from, and merge into About the one Reality; God is One, though His forms are many.

The ashram was established here in Wales in 1973, though our roots can be traced back to Sri Lanka, for that is where our founder, Guru Sri Subramanium was born.

Services Make food donations available for those supporting vulnerable people.

Address Skanda Vale, Llanpumsaint, Carmarthen. SA33 6JT Telephone 01559 38442 Website www.skandavale.org

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SCVS: Swansea Council for Voluntary Service Swansea Council for Voluntary Service is the umbrella organisation for voluntary About activity throughout the City & County of Swansea, supporting, developing and representing voluntary organisations, volunteers and communities in the County.

We work to support and develop the Third Sector by providing a wide range of Services information, advice and support services and by representing the views of the sector to government and policy makers.

Address 7 Walter Road, Swansea. SA1 5NF Telephone 01792 544000 Email scvs@scvs.org.uk Website www.scvs.org.uk

Swansea Central Library Wheelchair accessible ­ Hearing loop ­ Large print book collection ­ Audiobook collection ­ Zoom text ­ visual impairment software (selected PCs only) ­ Digital text enlarging machine ­ Toilets ­ Wi­fi ­ Meeting room/IT room: 30 seated, 12 Services computers ­ Photocopier: Black/white and colour ­ PC scanner (ground and first floor) ­ Two A3 microfilm Readers ­ booking advised (first floor) ­ Three digital microfilm readers ­ booking advised (first floor) ­ Map collection (current and historic) ­ Study areas ­ Large children's library area.

Address Civic Centre: Oystermouth Road, Swansea. SA1 3SN Telephone 01792 636464 Email libraryline@swansea.gov.uk Website www.swansea.gov.uk 12

Swansea Mosque About Mosque & Islamic Community Centre

Services

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Prayer Education Religious advice & counselling Marriage solemnisation New Muslim Support

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Guided Mosque Tour Digital Broadband Radio Funeral Service Volunteering Opportunities

Address 14­15 Saint Helen's Road, Swansea. SA1 4AW Telephone 01792 654535 Email info@swanseamosque.org Website www.swanseamosque.org

The Phoenix Centre About Community Centre in the Townhill area of Swansea.

Services Sports ­ Library ­ Advice ­ Learning ­ Community ­ Cafe ­ Events Address Powys Avenue, Townhill, Swansea. SA1 6PH Telephone 01792 479800

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Unity in Diversity About

Community Drop­in. Providing Food, Support and Learning opportunities to asylum seekers and refugees in the Swansea area.

*Volunteering Opportunities*.

Services ESOL classes. Support. Meals. Training Opportunities. Signposting.

Drop­in Sessions: Tuesdays & Thursdays ­ 4pm to 8pm Address The United Reformed Church (Carmarthen Road) Caepistyll St, Swansea. SA1 2BE Telephone 07944523256 Email wayneyare@gmail.com Website www.uidswansea.wordpress.com

Unity in Diversity ­ Football Training The Unity in Diversity Football Club promotes and celebrates fun, friendship and healthy active participation. Thanks to Martin, our FA qualified football coach we strive About to improve our football skills. We welcome anyone with an interest in friendships across diverse cultures and the development of their game.

Services Unity in Diversity football training: Wednesdays 5pm to 7pm & Sundays 2pm to 4pm Address Hafod Park, Brynhyfryd, Swansea. SA5 9LE Telephone 07932 400995 Email martiansparks@gmail.com Website www.uidswansea.wordpress.com

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The Welsh Refugee Council The Welsh Refugee Council is a Wales based charity, committed to protecting the About human rights of asylum seekers and refugees in Wales. For nearly 25 years now, we see first­hand the effects of fleeing persecution, conflict, torture, rape and abuse.

We work to: Evidence our effectiveness to stakeholders, positively influence Services perceptions of asylum and migration in Wales, meet the needs of asylum seekers and refugees in Wales and create active participation of asylum seekers and refugees.

Address 49 Walter Rd, Swansea. SA1 5PW Telephone 01792 630180 Email info@welshrefugeecouncil.org.uk Website www.welshrefugeecouncil.org.uk

WEA CYMRU ­ Workers Education Association WEA Mission Statement. To enhance the life chances of adults and young people through the delivery of high quality education that promotes active citizenship, About employability, cultural enrichment, social justice and health and well­being, giving due regard to the Welsh language and culture and the diversity of communities in Wales.

Services Learning Opportunities (including ESOL). Volunteer Opportunities.

Address University of Wales Trinity St David, Mount Pleasant campus, Swansea, SA1 6ED Telephone 01792 467791 Email courseinfowest@weacymru.org.uk Website www.weacymru.org.uk

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YMCA Swansea Swansea YMCA offer a great value service for the whole family and the business About community. You’ll be amazed at what’s going on today in our unique venue in the heart of the city. Whether you’re young or old, we have something for everyone.

Services

Youth and Community ­ Health and Fitness ­ Arts and Music. Many different things on offer.

Address 1 The Kingsway, Swansea. SA1 5JQ Telephone 01792 652032 Email info@swanseaymca.org.uk Website www.swanseaymca.org.uk

Zac's Place Specifically for those who have slept rough on the streets that night or who are in crisis not only join us for food but specialised support. With regular visits from drug and alcohol team key workers, a dedicated nurse, community psychiatric nurse and housing support workers it is about a lot more than breakfast. It is an About important gateway for accessing hostel spaces and supported accommodation in the city from the streets. The open access welcome environment, that has been a trademark reputation at Zac’s Place, makes it an environment where vulnerable people not only feel safe, but also supported and loved. On a typical morning we would see up to 25 people each morning for breakfast, apx 250 days per year Services Breakfast Provision for those Sleeping Rough Monday and Friday Address Gospel Hall, George Street. Swansea ­ SA1 4DQ Email exousiatrust@zacsplace.org Website www.zacsplace.org

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*Note that this directory is in development, any additional/updated information regarding existing or new services would be very welcome.

Contact: ​ wayneyare@gmail.com

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