We write as Lead Volunteers for Space4U Cardiff (Registered Charity 1158327) in response to your request for written submissions to the Inquiry into refugees and asylum seekers in Wales.

Space4U has operated since 2007 at the Trinity centre in Cardiff and we were pleased to meet with members of the Inquiry on their recent visit to the Trinity Centre.

Space4U operate a twice-weekly drop-in centre offering a number of services that support up to 200 refugees and asylum seekers per session. A number of the services which we offer are vital for those who attend due to lack of provision elsewhere. For example we offer up to six ESOL classes per week which are mostly accessed by asylum seekers and refugees who are not able to access mainstream provision at Cardiff and Vale College due to long (up to 1 year) waiting lists. We also operate a foodbank for those asylum seekers and refugees who are destitute; either without asylum support or new refugees who are in the move-on period who have not been able to access mainstream welfare benefits due to delays. We also have a clothing store where newly arrived asylum seekers and refugees can receive essential clothing. In addition to these services, we also offer a hot meal to all attendees and a social space for people to meet new friends and relax in a welcoming environment.

We would like to offer our full support and endorsement to the submission written by the Welsh Refugee Coalition, which highlights many of the issues that users of Space4U are currently facing in Wales.

We thank you for your time in reading this submission and also for carrying out this inquiry.

Yours Sincerely,

Sam Parker and Sister Ruth O’Neill

Lead Volunteers Space4U