Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees (HBTSR) has joined 225 local groups across the UK in signing an open letter to the Home Secretary, formally rejecting her “ruthless” plans to erode refugee rights. The letter, released on 5th December 2025, forms part of the nationwide Communities Together for Refugees week of action, coordinated in partnership with Together With Refugees.
In addition to speaking out against the Government’s “Restoring Order and Control” proposals announced on 17 November, HBTSR is celebrating a powerful display of local generosity. This week, the group has collected hundreds of Christmas gifts donated by residents, schools, churches, and community organisations across Hay, Brecon, Talgarth and the surrounding areas.
Among the contributors were Llanfaes and Llangattock Primary Schools, Brecon High School, Kensington Chapel, and Time Out Brecon, each of which rallied pupils, families, congregations and supporters to donate thoughtful, beautiful presents. Local residents also dropped off gifts in extraordinary numbers to St Mary’s Churches in Brecon and Hay and Talgarth Library—from toys and books to warm clothing, toiletry sets and festive treats.
HBTSR volunteers described the volume of donations as far beyond anything they had imagined, with gifts filling cars, halls and storage spaces ahead of their delivery to families seeking sanctuary in Swansea.
The scale of this response has been described by HBTSR as a “clear reflection” of the community’s belief in compassion, welcome, and humanity.
Ailsa Dunn, Secretary of HBTSR and signatory of the open letter, said:
“We are proud to join local groups from across the country in rejecting the Home Secretary’s cruel plans. Every day, we witness compassion in action—but never more so than through our Christmas gift appeal. We have received many hundreds of presents, an overwhelming response that has moved our volunteers deeply. These gifts are far more than parcels; they are a message to families seeking sanctuary that they matter, they are welcome, and they are seen. This generosity tells us everything about who we are as a community.”
HBTSR has also submitted evidence to the Government’s inquiry on Routes to Settlement, which is available on their website.
The letter sent to the Home Secretary includes the message:
“Every day we witness people stepping up—opening their homes, volunteering their time, speaking out for fairness and supporting one another. We know that your cruel new plans do not represent us, our communities or who we are as a country.”
As part of the Communities Together for Refugees week of action, towns and villages across the UK will host more than 30 events, including Christmas markets, street stalls, craft sessions, musical performances and food festivities. Additionally, 10,000 posters reading “We Stand Together with Refugees” will appear in homes, businesses, community centres, places of worship, and public venues
Very many thanks to all who donated gifts. They will truly make a huge difference. Thanks to Colin and Lawrence who yet again acted as Father Christmas to help deliver the gifts.
