Council and refugees seek official sanctuary status

Swindon Borough Council has brought leaders and refugees together to discuss improvements

Refugees, asylum seekers and local leaders are working together to agree how to gain an officially accredited Borough of Sanctuary status.

Swindon Borough Council is working with representatives from the local community to develop improvements in the way the town welcomes people seeking sanctuary.

The Wiltshire area is already very diverse and continues to welcome those from displaced backgrounds, including almost 300 Ukrainians and more than 120 refugees from Afghanistan, the council said.

Yasev Yosupi, who fled to the town from Afghanistan after the Taliban took control, said he was "grateful" for the support he has received and to know that he "was not alone".

'A fairer Swindon'

"I lost everything including my home and my safety, when the Taliban took over.

"I was granted sanctuary in the UK, which I was grateful for," Mr Yosupi said.

"But, I had a very hard time. I was in shock from losing my country and had to get used to life in the UK when I moved to Swindon.

"I am grateful for the support from Swindon Borough Council and it was great to know that I was not alone.

"They helped with everything, from learning English to support finding a job.

"I am now studying at university, which is amazing."

Council deputy leader Emma Bushell said: "We want Swindon to be an inclusive town, where people can be proud to live, work, study and play, including those seeking refuge.

"We have already helped more than 420 new residents from displaced backgrounds and I look forward to seeing the ongoing work of partners, residents and local businesses to become a Borough of Sanctuary as part of our mission to build a fairer Swindon."