Recent Updates
September 2025 Update
It’s been a busy summer at Harbour, which has seen BBQs at Lydiard Park, trips to Kelmscott Manor, and even hosting a Parliamentary Drop-In at Westminster alongside Swindon City of Sanctuary! We have also had to endure growing anti-immigrant sentiments which has been dominating the headlines. Whilst this is concerning and something that we will continue to monitor, the solidarity and community spirit we see every day has never wavered. We are so grateful for the ongoing support and compassion that is shown towards our Visitors. This was particulalry true during our 25 Year Celebration event in August, which was a joyous occasion where we were able to reflect on our journey so far, and look ahead to a brighter future.
September brought with it a wonderful night at The Wyvern Theatre to watch Ivo Graham (and friends) host an evening of comedy, raising funds for Harbour. There was so much goodwill and generosity from the sell-out crowd, making it the most successful single fundraisisng event we’ve ever had!
December 2024 Update
As of December 2024, we now have more people registered with Harbour (1,677) than ever before! This demonstrates that the need for our work remains, and we must continue to respond to the changing needs our Visitor have. The past twelve months have seen the demographic of our people changing, most notably the fact that we now have more people with refugee status than those with an outstanding asylum claim.
The has been significant team changes at Harbour in 2024. We welcomed Rebecca Chick in January as our new Young Visitor Engagement Lead, and Mohamed Yahya joined in July as an Advisor, and both have been amazing additions to the team.
Claire Garrett and Mindy Sandhu both retired at the end of 2024. They have been hugely valuable members of the Harbour family for many years and we will all be sad to see them go. We thank them for everything they have done for Harbour. With Claire’s announcement to leave Harbour, Tom Bain was selected to be her successor as CEO.
There has also been change within the Board of Trustees, as David Rowlands decided to step down as Chair. In July 2024, Emma Graham was approved by the trustees to be his successor. We are very happy to report that David will continue as Vice Chair.