During the Bank Holiday weekend, HBTSR once again had the opportunity to raise awareness and funds during the busy Hay Festival period. Our stall was hosted in the garden of Richard’s house on Brecon Road, and as always we are extremely grateful to him for his generosity in allowing us to use this excellent location.
Throughout the weekend we sold raffle tickets and HBTSR tea towels, accepted donations, and, perhaps most importantly, had the opportunity to talk with a wide range of people about the work of our charity and the issues facing people seeking sanctuary in the UK.
The Hay Festival attracts visitors from across the country and beyond, and we enjoyed conversations with people from places as far afield as Crowborough and Falkirk and many other towns and cities. These discussions highlighted both the interest people have in the subject and the challenges posed by misinformation and misunderstanding.
Sadly, media coverage and political debate often focus on a narrow and sometimes misleading picture of asylum and migration. Many visitors, including some who were otherwise well informed, appeared to believe that the number of people seeking asylum in the UK runs into many millions annually, when in reality the figure is closer to 100,000. Similarly, there remains a widespread perception that asylum seekers live in luxury accommodation. In practice, many are housed in hotels or other temporary accommodation where they may have to share rooms with unrelated individuals and have little control over their daily lives, including the food provided.
We also encountered assumptions that those seeking asylum are predominantly young men who present a threat to local communities. These stereotypes do not reflect the diversity of people forced to flee conflict, persecution and hardship in search of safety.
Several visitors spoke of their concerns about protests outside hotels and accommodation centres. People from different parts of the country told us that what worried them most was not the presence of asylum seekers themselves, but the behaviour of some protestors who had intimidated residents, threatened those living in the accommodation, or verbally abused people entering and leaving the sites.
The weekend reminded us how valuable face-to-face conversations can be. While opinions may differ, respectful discussion allows myths to be challenged, facts to be shared, and understanding to grow. We were encouraged by the number of people who stopped to ask questions, listen, and engage thoughtfully with these complex issues. and often to buy or donate money!
Thanks to all who helped on the stall over the three days, to Sharon, Christina, Rowland, Sally, Emma and John, Sally and Andrew, Lis, Claire, Lynne and Philip, Adil, Emma, Wyn and Mia, Sean, Rhiannon, Margaret and Pat, Em, Sian, Fran and Hunter, Virginia, Lawrence, Mike and Ailsa. Also to Hazle and Carys who visited from Swansea at different times and to Mark from Herefordshire county of Sanctuary.
Thank you to everyone who supported us by making a donation, buying a raffle ticket or tea towel, or simply taking the time to talk. Special thanks once again to Richard for providing such a welcoming and well-positioned base for our fundraising activities.
This support helps HBTSR continue its work in welcoming and supporting people seeking sanctuary in South Wales.
taken from UK Government summary of statistics November 2025 https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/immigration-system-statistics-year-ending-september-2025/summary-of-latest-statistics