Nominations open for Nation of Sanctuary Awards

Deadline: 28-Feb-2025

The Welsh Refugee Council is absolutely thrilled to announce that nominations for the Nation of Sanctuary Awards are officially open!

The Nation of Sanctuary Awards recognises the achievements of sanctuary seekers in Wales and celebrated their contributions to their communities and Welsh life.

The Nation of Sanctuary Award is the prestigious final award of the evening, recognising a group or organisation that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting sanctuary seekers and refugees in Wales.

Award Categories

Language Learner
- This award honours individuals who have demonstrated exceptional personal growth and commitment in learning and using the English or Welsh language.
- Whether they are newcomers to the language or continuing their language journey, nominees should show dedication to improving their language skills and using them to enhance their personal, social, or professional lives.
Equalities Champion
- This award recognises individuals or groups who are committed to enhancing the lives of refugees and sanctuary seekers, with a particular focus on those from diverse backgrounds and experiencing multiple barriers due to their identities or protected characteristics.
- Nominees should demonstrate an intersectional approach to support, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, gender, sexuality, ability, or other personal attributes, have equitable access to the resources, rights, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Volunteer of the Year
- This award celebrates sanctuary seekers and refugees who have made an exceptional impact through voluntary service, demonstrating unwavering dedication to supporting others in their communities.
- Nominees should have shown remarkable compassion, selflessness, and commitment to helping those in need, using their time, skills, and energy to make a positive difference.
Woman of the Year
- This award celebrates the strength, courage, and compassion of women who are making a profound impact in their communities and beyond. It recognises women who are challenging the status quo, breaking down barriers, and transforming lives through their vision, determination, and leadership.
- Nominees should embody the spirit of empowerment, resilience, and innovation, inspiring others through their actions and achievements.
Academic Achievement
- This award honours individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in education and whose dedication to learning has driven them to excellence.
- It recognises those who have shown perseverance, passion, and a commitment to personal growth, using education as a tool for empowerment and positive change in their lives and communities.
Contribution to the Arts
- This award celebrates the work of artistic and creative individuals or groups whose efforts have profoundly expressed solidarity with sanctuary seekers in Wales. It recognises those who use the power of the arts—whether through visual arts, music, theatre, literature, dance, or other creative mediums—to foster connection, promote understanding, and drive social change.
- Nominees should demonstrate how their work has helped raise awareness of the experiences of sanctuary seekers and contributed to a more inclusive, compassionate society.
Business and Innovation
- This award celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit, innovative research, and impactful projects led by refugees or sanctuary seekers that have created positive change, advanced community development, and provided economic opportunities.
- It honours those whose work not only supports their own growth but also empowers others in similar circumstances, paving the way for greater inclusion, opportunity, and sustainable development.
Contribution to Sport
- This award recognises the exceptional talent, dedication, and achievements of sanctuary seekers and refugees who are actively involved in sports.
- This award also honours individuals or groups who have created pathways for refugees and sanctuary seekers to engage in sport, fostering inclusion and community.
Rising Star
- This award celebrates the achievements of sanctuary seekers aged 16 to 30 whose potential, talents, and accomplishments are making a significant positive impact in their communities or sectors. It recognises individuals who have shown remarkable growth and promise, demonstrating the ability to inspire others and contribute meaningfully to society. Nominees should embody hope and resilience, with a clear vision for an even brighter future ahead.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to organisations, groups, or businesses based in Wales.
Nominees can be from the charity, public, or private sector.
Nominees must have made significant contributions over the past 12 months to the support and inclusion of sanctuary seekers and refugees in Wales.
Nominations should illustrate how the nominee meets the following criteria:
- Leading Change: Breaking down barriers and introducing new, innovative approaches to global challenges, while fostering inclusivity and equality in Wales.
- Empowering Others: Actively recognising, supporting, and amplifying the voices of sanctuary seekers and other marginalised communities, creating opportunities for them to thrive.
- Influencing: Challenging norms, inspiring systemic change, and engaging other leaders, organisations, and sectors in driving positive transformation for sanctuary seekers and refugees.
Language Learner
- Open to individual sanctuary seekers or refugees living in Wales and over 18 years old
- Nominees must not be native English speakers and must have engaged in ESOL classes within the last five years
- Nominees should demonstrate how language learning has positively impacted their ability to connect with their community, access opportunities, or contribute to society
Equalities Champion
- Open to individuals or groups.
- Nominees must be 18 years or older and can be sanctuary seekers, refugees, or groups directly supporting sanctuary seeking communities.
- Nominees should advocate for individuals and communities facing multiple barriers, including but not limited to LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others who are underrepresented or marginalised, working to promote equality, inclusion, and social justice for all.
Volunteer of the Year
- Open to individual sanctuary seekers or refugees living in Wales and over 18 years old
- Individuals must have been a volunteer for at least six months AND currently actively volunteering
- Nominees should demonstrate how their voluntary work has supported and uplifted others, fostering inclusion, empowerment, and positive change within the sanctuary seeking and refugee community.
Woman of the Year
- Open to individual sanctuary seekers or refugees living in Wales AND aged over 18 years old
- Nominations are welcome for individuals who identify as women, regardless of gender history.
- Nominees should demonstrate significant accomplishments through community work, career achievements, or personal development.
Academic Achievement
- Open to individual sanctuary seekers or refugees living in Wales and over 18 years old
- Nominees can be active in any academic subject, course, or level of study over the last twelve months
- Nominees should demonstrate how their dedication to learning has led to notable achievements, whether through academic excellence, skills development, or contributions to their field of study.
Contribution to the Arts
- Open to individuals or groups working within the arts in Wales.
- Nominees must be over 18 years old and can be sanctuary seekers, refugees, or groups whose work directly engages with sanctuary seeking communities.
- Nominees may be involved in any artistic or cultural discipline, including music, visual arts, literature, dance, theatre, storytelling, textiles, and multimedia, with a focus on work that amplifies the voices and experiences of sanctuary seekers.
Business and Innovation
- Open to individuals seeking sanctuary or refugees living in Wales and aged 18 or older.
- Nominees should demonstrate initiative, creativity, and a commitment to fostering positive change through their work, research, or projects.
Contribution to Sport
- Open to individuals or groups from sporting backgrounds in Wales
- Nominees must be over 18 years old and can be sanctuary seekers, refugees, or groups working with sanctuary seekers in a sports context (including coaches and instructors)
Rising Star
- Open to an individual sanctuary seekers or refugees living in Wales and aged 16 to 30
- Nominees must be no younger than 16 and no older than 30 at the time of the nomination

For more information, visit Welsh Refugee Council.