10 Years of Impacting Communities

University of Sanctuary

From providing free English-language lessons to offering undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships, USW implements practical solutions to support refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

Research by Dr Mike Chick, USW’s Refugee Champion, has helped to improve access to English-language education for forced migrants in South Wales and informed government policy on ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages).

A Refugee and Asylum Seeker Sanctuary Scheme at USW allows refugees and asylum seekers to access language tuition and language preparation before starting their degree.

Syrian academics, who have been forced to flee their home country, can remotely access the University’s library support and are building links with USW academics. This Fellow scheme is run in partnership with the Council for At Risk Academics (CARA).

Find out more information about University of Sanctuary

Urban Circle

Community is at the heart of USW, and its partnership with Urban Circle ensures that diverse communities across South Wales are supported.

The Newport-based youth arts organisation was founded with the goal of engaging, supporting, and empowering young people and communities.

USW’s Memorandum of Understanding with Urban Circle supports student recruitment and community events, as well as the delivery of guest lectures to USW students, the provision of student work placement opportunities, and support with anti-discrimination resources, materials, and workshops.

USW and Urban Circle also collaborate with other community organisations across Newport and the region to support equality and diversity as part of wider civic initiatives.

The partnership has been praised by education inspectors Estyn, highlighting the benefits that it brings to charities and those they support, as well as staff and students at USW.

Find out more information about our partnership with Urban Circle