About SASS

Charity number: 1175186

We are a volunteer-led registered charity, run and managed by our members, who include asylum seekers, refugees and other local people. We give a warm welcome to people seeking sanctuary in Swansea through our twice-weekly drop-ins, and offer practical support, educational and recreational opportunities.

Our group has existed since 1999. Local people (including refugees from Chile and other countries) started the support group when the government announced that asylum seekers would be ‘dispersed’ to Swansea. Our drop-ins began in 2001; they were organised by some of the first asylum seekers who arrived here.

Our Aims

To develop a community of asylum seekers, refugees and locals in Swansea and the surrounding area which will;

  • Promote equality and diversity by providing activities to foster understanding between people from diverse backgrounds.
  • Preserve and protect the mental and physical health of asylum seekers and refugees and their dependants through developing community and combating isolation.
  • Provide facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation with the object of improving the conditions of life of those persons who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, financial hardship or social and economic circumstances.
  • Provide education and training to asylum seekers, refugees and their dependants to advance them in life and help them to adapt within a new community.
  • Advance the education of the public in general about issues relating to asylum seekers and refugees.
  • Relieve poverty amongst asylum seekers and refugees and their dependants

See the Charity Commission website for more information.

Projects

Hafan Books was founded by one of the founders of SASS, Tom, along with Eric and Sylvie in 2003. “Hafan” is a Welsh word meaning haven, sanctuary, asylum. All proceeds from the organisation go towards SASS.

SASS is a proud supporter and member of Swansea City of Sanctuary. In 2021, SASS received a Special Anniversary Sanctuary Award despite not applying, to acknowledge our long-term commitment to the City of Sanctuary vision and recognise our contributions to the movement.

Our former project, Share Tawe, seeks to provide sufficient support and security to enable people to focus on gaining the right to stay in the UK, by matching local hosts with guests. As of 2022, the project has moved over to Ethnic Minorities & Youth Support Team Wales (EYST).

Key Documents

Logo for SCVS indicating membership for the year 2026-27