SWVG

19/05/2026

Nature at its best 🌳✨

It was so good to be out surrounded by nature, with plenty of room to breathe and enjoy the beautiful New Forest!
A massive thank you to the Rangers at New Forest National Park Authority for a lovely day—they really helped us understand and appreciate the ancient heath and woodland. 🌿🦌

29/04/2026

In this issue of our newsletter, we remember our devoted administrator, David Rees, who we lost on 30 March and whose funeral is today. In the words of our secretary, Lea, David "was passionate about human rights, particularly concerning refugees, and showed that by giving practical support however he could. ... The asylum seeker and refugee support network and community we have built in Southampton is strong, and part of that strength comes directly from David."

Also in this issue, our locally-based writers with lived experience of seeking asylum sensitively and compellingly explore the impact of being uprooted from their homes, and how educational and career paths have diverged as a result. Friendship, care and solidarity continue to play a crucial role in sustaining us, body and soul.

Displacement doesn't only strip people of their homes and belongings; it uproots the very relationships around which they have organised their lives. Material assistance - food, shelter, clothing - is vital, but it cannot repair what fear and loss fracture inside. Refugees long for environments where it is possible to laugh, cry, talk, and be heard, as these are the normal behaviour of individuals in every community. We all need friendships that restore confidence, community groups that offer belonging, and social circles that affirm our dignity. David knew this. As Lea writes, "One of the special things about David was that he always gave time to people. No matter what he was doing, no matter how awkward it was, he gave people the opportunity to talk about themselves. People who felt they had been treated as a number throughout their interactions with officialdom found that their opinions, their problems and their lives mattered. He listened patiently and often diffused difficult situations through his calm approach. I learned a lot about patience and personal relationships through sitting next to him at the desk."

Read & download the newsletter here:https://swvg-refugees.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Newsletter-spring-2026-online-corr-A-R.pdf

13/04/2026

Pedalling Together in the New Forest 🚴‍♀️🌿
Organisations working together - thank you to our friends for organising and leading a cycling day out in the beautiful New Forest. Fresh air, exercise, laughter, harmony, friendship.

28/03/2026

Huge numbers of people on the Together Alliance march in London today! Estimated half a million. SWVG members marched along with other refugee help groups, "Refugees are Welcome Here" echoed from Park Lane to Westminster. A huge rejection of the politics of hate and division. A great affirmation of love and community feeling. Thanks to Southampton Stand up to Racism for inviting us and arranging the brilliant transport.

12/03/2026

🌼 Basking in the days following International Women’s Day — and with the sun finally peeking through — our hearts are feeling especially full. This beautiful thank‑you message has truly warmed us and reminds us why we continue serving our community with compassion and purpose. 💛

*“I am deeply grateful to the amazing women at SWVG, CLEAR Project, and St. Peter’s Sanctuary Hub Wi******er. During my asylum journey, your support, compassion, and guidance meant more than words can express. You welcomed us with dignity, encouragement, and humanity when we needed it most.
Thank you for the difference you make every day in the lives of so many people. Your work is truly inspiring, and the impact of your kindness will never be forgotten.”*

To all the women who give their time, energy, and hearts — thank you. You are changing lives every single day. 💐✨

09/03/2026

Together against the far right: Saturday 28 March 🤝

Join us and over 300 other supporting organisations of the Together Alliance as we stand against the far right.

When: 28 March, 12:30pm

Where: London. Meet us @ Bloc G, Park Lane.

Getting there: There’ll be lots of friends joining from Southampton and we can pick up from Wi******er. Book tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/together-against-the-far-right-transport-from-southampton-tickets-1982620159267

Or if you’re making your own way, you can meet us at our rendezvous "Bloc G" on Park Lane around 12:30pm.

Plan your journey: togetheralliance.org.uk/getting-there.

🔗 Our Commitment: togetheralliance.org.uk/supporters

05/03/2026

SWVG is one of over 300 Supporting Organisations of the Together Alliance standing against the far right: Together we stand, divided we fall

https://www.togetheralliance.org.uk/supporters -29e4bdeb-f7bf-4d4d-8fc1-58f65c014948

The main march will begin gathering from 12pm on Park Lane, London. It will depart at roughly 1pm.

- 12pm: Main march assembles at Park Lane

- ⁠1pm: Main march leaves Park Lane AND Short route assembles at Trafalgar Square/Whitehall

- ⁠2pm: Front of main march arrives Trafalgar Square/Whitehall

- ⁠2pm: Speeches start on stages

- ⁠3pm: Music event starts in Trafalgar

- ⁠6pm: Event finishes

Plan your journey! https://www.togetheralliance.org.uk/getting-there

There will be a lot of friends coming by coach from Southampton and we can ask for a pick up from Wi******er as well. To purchase tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/together-against-the-far-right-transport-from-southampton-tickets-1982620159267

Or make your own way and we'll meet at our rendezvous "Bloc G" on Park Lane around 12:30pm.

24/02/2026

Ukrainians are marking four years since Russia's invasion: it's a solemn reminder of the profound harm that conflicts of this scale inflict on innocent people and their livelihoods. Millions of Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes, scattering across the world in search of safety and the chance to rebuild their lives.

SWVG stands in solidarity with Ukrainian refugees in the UK, especially those who have found refuge in Wi******er and Southampton and are now part of our vibrant community. We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing sanctuary and supporting individuals and families as they begin anew.

On this day, we also reaffirm our hope and our efforts toward a world shaped by peace, compassion, love, and respect for human dignity: a world where no innocent civilians are uprooted or displaced by war. Wi******er Ukrainian Cultural Association WI******ER CITY REFUGEE SUPPORT PAGE - supporting refugees locally City of Sanctuary

18/02/2026

Our co-Chair, Hazel, and trustee, Tharshan, were interviewed on Radio Awaaz today for their Community Hour! Listen here:

13:00:00 - 2026-02-18

13/02/2026

On Saturday 28 March: Be part of a huge national mobilisation against the far right, organised by the Together Alliance. You can book your seat on the coach from Southampton here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/together-against-the-far-right-transport-from-southampton-tickets-1982620159267