Waterfront Winterland in Swansea

The following content was provided by Thanu Hettiarachchi, one of our project researchers.

“Hay Brecon Talgarth Refugee Sanctuary sponsored a group of sanctuary seekers living in Swansea to enjoy a festive time, enabling them to enjoy rides and ice skating in Waterfront Winterland in Swansea. Sanctuary seekers have had very limited opportunities throughout the pandemic and faced huge challenges. This trip gave them an opportunity to join in with others who are enjoying the festive period. Swansea Women Asylum and refugee group organised the trip.

In terms of the first photograph, I took the picture and I shared it because it symbolised something important. The two little girls are asylum-seekers. This image is not just about two little ones waiting to go for a ride in or have fun in Winter Wonderland,  it also depicts those who are waiting for a better life, those who are waiting for safety, those who are worn out waiting to get what they need and want from their life.  I think this image says it all – from the beginning of 2021 to the end, we’ve all been waiting for this pandemic to end and people are now really struggling.”