Refugee Week is a UK-wide programme of arts, cultural and educational events and activities that celebrates the contribution of refugees to the UK and promotes better understanding of why people seek sanctuary.

The RefuTEA provides an opportunity for people in the community to meet over a cup of tea and a slice of cake and to learn about the experiences of refugees living in Wales.

Event organiser Professor Heaven Crawley of the Centre for International Migration at Swansea University said: “For well over 100 years, refugees have found a safe home in Wales, especially in the ports and valleys of South Wales. In the nineteenth century, Jewish refugees fleeing persecution in Russia and Eastern Europe settled in Cardiff, Newport and Swansea. In the first half of the twentieth century, people sought refuge in Wales as a result of the First World War, the Spanish Civil War and the Second World War. Wales became a safe haven for Jews fleeing Nazi persecution, and communities of Belgians, Spaniards, Poles and Italians were established in Wales.

“Today, refugees come to Wales from all over the world - Afghanistan, China, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan and Zimbabwe. But very little is known about their experiences in the countries from which they come or in our communities. And there are few opportunities for people to learn more about the issues facing refugees and meet with them in person to hear their stories.”

All donations raised will help the Refugee Council, the leading charity working with asylum seekers and refugees in the UK, offer vital support and advice to thousands of vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers.

You can find out more about Refugee Week by visiting http://www.refugeeweek.org.uk