On 2nd November, the government moved the finish line for settlement, for some by decades. On Core Protection, the new basic refugee status, the normal wait will be 20 years, and 30 for those who arrived without permission. More than 200,000 people responded to the consultation. Of these, 84% of individuals disagreed with the changes, rising to 89% among those with refugee status or humanitarian protection. People spoke clearly and they haven’t been heard. Recovery starts with safety, trust and belonging, so we explore what these plans mean for the people we support and what we’re asking for.

Content note: this article discusses suicide. People seeking asylum face a higher risk of suicide. PTSD affects 31% of adult refugees and people seeking asylum, compared with 3.9% of the general population, and 20.5% of refugees report suicidal ideation. Suspected suicides in Home Office accommodation more than doubled between 2020 and 2023. Yet evidence shows that once people are safe and settled, rates can fall. With new rules meaning some will wait 20 years for settlement, we explore why prolonging insecurity prolongs risk, and what really helps.

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.

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