Our Awareness Training helps members of the public understand what Refugee Status and Asylum means, and how they can help welcome and integrate sanctuary seekers in Wales.  

What is the project? 

DPIA runs awareness training sessions which help people understand the current asylum system in the UK, and the various issues faced by refugees and asylum seekers. Our team of ‘Sanctuary Speakers’ attend the sessions to talk about their own experiences of being an asylum seeker or refugee in the UK. Through informing the public of these issues, we hope to encourage individuals to show welcome in their communities. We provide these sessions free of charge to various organisations, community groups and educational establishments. 

How does it work? 

DPIA’s Awareness Training was set up in 2009 in response to a need for our communities to welcome refugees. Through informing on asylum in the UK, we have encouraged people to welcome sanctuary seekers and helped communities understand how to put this into practice.  

The training is currently funded as part of the Wales Sanctuary Service, a partnership of six organisations who have been funded by the Welsh Government to promote and ensure the rights of people seeking asylum in Wales. 

What has the project achieved? 

Since 2019 , DPIA has delivered awareness training to over 750 people. Almost every one of those individuals who completed our evaluation form following the session said that their awareness surrounding asylum issues increased, and committed to embed welcome for sanctuary seekers in their community.  

Those who have committed to embed welcome include university and college staff, social workers, researchers, students, teachers and health professionals such as doctors and nurses. Imagine the impact this has had if every individual has embedded welcome in their place of work or community.