Conwy County Borough Council is committed to providing support to people seeking sanctuary who have been forced to leave their homes due to conflict, persecution, violence or humanitarian crises.
The Council works with a range of national and local partners to help individuals and families settle safely within the community. People seeking sanctuary may arrive in the UK through a number of different routes, including asylum, refugee resettlement and relocation schemes supported by the UK and Welsh Governments.
The Community Inclusion and Resettlement Team helps people access services, build independence, and become active members of their local communities.
What Support is Provided?
The Community Inclusion and Resettlement Team works alongside statutory services, voluntary organisations and community groups to coordinate support for people arriving in Conwy.
Support may include:
- Help accessing suitable accommodation
- Registration with healthcare providers
- School and education support
- Welfare and benefits advice
- Employment, training and volunteering opportunities
- English language learning (ESOL)
- Community integration activities
- Signposting to specialist support services
The aim is to help individuals and families settle successfully, become independent and contribute positively to their communities.
Supporting Community Integration
Integration is a two-way process that benefits both new arrivals and existing communities.
Many sanctuary seekers bring valuable skills, qualifications, experience and cultural diversity to the areas in which they settle. Through community participation, volunteering, education and employment, individuals can make meaningful contributions to local life while building lasting connections within their neighbourhoods.
Conwy works closely with local organisations to promote inclusion, understanding and community cohesion.
Learning English
Learning English is one of the most important steps in helping people settle and become independent.
The Community Inclusion and Resettlement Team works with local education providers and partner organisations to help people access English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses. These courses support communication, employment opportunities and participation in community life.
More information on ESOL courses can be found here: English for Speakers of Other Languages Courses
Community Benefits
Resettlement and sanctuary programmes help strengthen communities by:
- Promoting cultural understanding
- Supporting workforce participation
- Encouraging community volunteering
- Helping local organisations develop inclusive services
- Enriching community life through diversity and shared experiences
Conwy is proud to be part of Wales' commitment to becoming a Nation of Sanctuary, where people who have been forced to flee can find safety, support and opportunities to rebuild their lives.
Further information
Useful information and resources can be found here.