As we found our place within the colourful array of information stall owners at this year’s Bristol Refugee Festival, we took the opportunity to ask festival goers what courage meant to them. Here’s what they wrote.

A large proportion of the displaced people living in my town were forced to flee their homes following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This conflict now outlasts the First World War, and as the world's attention shifts to new crises, our Ukrainian neighbours spoke of feeling forgotten; their collective experiences playing out unseen.

“I asked a room full of 5 year olds about being brave and the importance of making people feel welcome, and they had a better answer than most grown ups I've met”.

We’re incredibly grateful for the dedication and creativity of our volunteers - each person brings something unique to the team.

We've been reflecting on this in light of a newly recommended read from our team, and what our NHS-funded Devon programme has taught us about reframing the interpreter's role.

It has been a busy and at times turbulent start to the year. From responding to proposed earned settlement changes, to joining thousands on the streets of London, to signing a joint statement on harmful media reporting, the TFSW team has been responding to an ever-shifting landscape.

Twice a year, our team gathers from across the South West to reconnect and look forward. This winter, we were hosted by our founder Judy and welcomed some wonderful new faces to the team.

Dr Katherine Cox, TSFW’s Director of Services, will be walking from Land’s End to John O’Groats – approximately 1,280 miles. As she walks, she will be encouraging donations to support our work with refugees and people seeking asylum.

We had the privilege of spending the day at the Asylum Seeker and Refugee Wellbeing Conference at the University of the West of England in Bristol, and it has been a genuinely nourishing space to be part of.

In light of yesterday’s difficult news on asylum policy, we want to share something positive - a reminder that across our communities, people are working every day to build connection, compassion and long-term stability.

Until midday 9th Dec, every £1 you donate will be DOUBLED through the Big Give, reaching our goal of £4,500 funding for long-term trauma therapy for refugees and people seeking sanctuary across the South West of England.

Alongside our clinical work, TFSW plays a vital role in building the resilience of the wider refugee sector. We provide trauma-informed training, reflective practice and supervision to staff including those working in legal advice.

Pioneers like Dr Ellen Kitch Childs, championed inclusivity and access for the most marginalised and we strive to walk in her footsteps through free, trauma-informed therapy.

The arts, heritage, health, education, and community sectors all have a role to play in creating spaces where people from all backgrounds can belong.

Interpreters are not just translators - they actively foster trust, cultural understanding, and safety and we see language and cultural understanding as fundamental to meaningful, long-term support. 

Last August far-right riots broke out across the country. One year on what has changed?  What have we learned? What remains the same? 

If someone tells you they are feeling suicidal, your response matters. On "‘Talk to Us Day’ we provide practical resources and a guide if you are feeling suicidal or supporting someone who is.

Twice a year we – therapists,  interpreters, trustees and staff - get together in person to share what has been happening in the organisation

Borderlands is a valued partner and we work closely to offer therapeutic support to refugees, CEO and team supervision, and training. This trusted collaboration strengthens

We’re incredibly grateful for the dedication and creativity of our volunteers - each person brings something unique to the team.