SWVG

02/10/2026

🎉 Reason 18
🎊 25 Reasons to Celebrate

We’re proud to be part of a fantastic network of local charities 🤝 that work together to support refugees and people seeking safety in Southampton and the surrounding area. ❤️

Today, we’re celebrating our friends at Southampton and Wi******er Visitors Group (SWVG )! 🌟

SWVG is a volunteer-led charity that provides invaluable befriending and support 👥. We work together at weekly drop-ins in Southampton and Wi******er and they also offer English learning opportunities.

Their amazing projects include cooking sessions 🍲, an art group 🎨, and outdoor activities 🌳. They also campaign for a fairer and more efficient asylum system 📣.

A huge thank you to everyone at SWVG for your dedication, compassion and commitment to supporting people seeking safety 🙏💙. We’re so grateful to have you as brilliant partners!

💙✨

24/09/2026

You are all cordially invited for coffee & cake on the morning of Thursday 22nd October to the Rick Stein restaurant in Wi******er! Thanks to Rick Stein for their generous support

17/09/2026

This is your opportunity to see Jamie Cullum live AND help SWVG raise money for our essential work supporting refugees! Deadline for bids is Wednesday 30th September

Please share with your friends/networks

14/09/2026

SWVG is a signatory to this urgent call for government action on racist violence, together with over 150 other organisations. The racist intimidation and hostility seen at the weekend all over the UK – primarily targeting those seeking asylum – is where the UK government must draw a line, it states:

'The UK government must tackle the dangerous cycle of political narratives that are repeated through megaphones by those emboldened to enact violence on our streets. Our political leaders must work with impacted people and communities to ensure their rights are protected and no one is forced to live in fear due to their religion, ethnicity, immigration status or skin colour.'

Over 150 organisations unite to raise the alarm and demand the Government acts to urgently tackle the escalation in racist violence and intimidation.

02/09/2026

NEW: SWVG's Summer Newsletter is here! From reflections on this year's Refugee Week, to a recipe for injera, and a rare account of one member's long journey to reach sanctuary, as well as the real life impact on our members of recent immigration legislation, these stories make us - in the words of our Co-chair Catherine - "determined to continue doing what we are
doing." She further writes in her welcome message that, "In an intractably divided society, SWVG enables people to connect."

Catherine also quotes one of the issue's contributors, and long-time volunteer Leila, who: "writes about the patchwork ‘blanket of care’ as a symbol of community – people ‘coming together but still keeping their own identity’.... There are many people we don’t know, but by being open, accepting and welcoming, we might help someone find a place to fit in."https://swvg-refugees.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Newsletter-Summer-2026-Final-Screen.pdf

19/08/2026

SWVG in the news: Refugees shared powerful stories at a Wi******er Rotary Club meeting.

Refugees shared powerful stories at a Wi******er Rotary Club meeting.

13/08/2026

If you've ever considered joining SWVG - as a volunteer English teacher or visitor, for example - find out what to expect from a SWVG training day in this new short film!

https://youtu.be/zdtBfkqgWAM Film created by Julian Benjamin

12/08/2026

Danny Chambers MP came to see the Wi******er hub in session today with his Executive Assistant Hayley. He chatted with guests and volunteers, while the highlight of the meeting was a deep discussion with five guests about their journey to seek asylum and their frustrations concerning not being able to work, the length of time it is taking to receive a final decision, having to travel to Liverpool to submit fresh evidence and the new 30 month refugee status (with all its knock on problems) and the impending proposal of having to pay back asylum support when they are not even allowed to work.

We also discussed hate crime and the increasingly divisive public debate around asylum, including the way people seeking sanctuary can be caught up in political debate.

However, they all without exception love Wi******er, have experienced no hostility and love Wednesday mornings at the hub, the football and other activities. St Peter's and SWVG have given them a huge welcome.

Finally, Annabel spoke eloquently of her approach to teaching English and the honour and privilege it is to teach our guests.

04/08/2026

On a very warm day about fifty SWVG and St Peter's Hub guests, volunteers, friends of the charities and a lively bunch of children were led by Sue, Sue and Ginny on the short walk to Wi******er's River Park for an afternoon of games and picnic fun. Volleyball and rounders pitches were erected. Feats of athleticism ensued with mighty swings of the bat, brilliant catches and spills.

There were more drinks and cakes for all before we cleared away and left everything as it had been. Along with the various items of kit we all carried away smiles and memories of a big happy family occasion.

06/07/2026

Refugee Week celebrations continue into July with a 'Unity in the Community' march around Southampton this Sunday! Everyone welcome
Southampton Stand Up To Racism