Peredur Owen Griffiths, Member of the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) for Plaid Cymru representing the South Wales East region, is an active supporter of the Ukrainian community in his area.
Peredur Owen Griffiths MS
The town of Caerphilly, within his constituency, has become one of the centres of Welsh hospitality, hosting Ukrainian families and cultural initiatives, such as the Ukrainian art exhibition.
Mr Griffiths notes that the most rewarding aspect of this work so far was being presented with a painting by members of the Ukrainian community as an appreciation of his support. The painting features the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag and has the following words in Welsh as well as English: “Be Brave, Like Ukrainian.” He describes it as a “humbling and emotional moment.” The painting now takes pride of place on his office wall in the Senedd.
Peredur Owen Griffiths viewing the artwork at the Ukrainian art exhibition in Caerphilly.
A Policy of Hospitality
For Peredur Owen Griffiths, supporting Ukrainians is part of his party’s principles. “Plaid Cymru – the party I represent – has a long tradition of being a welcoming and inclusive political party,” he explains. “We represent Wales and fight for everyone that lives here, no matter what their background is. When the people of Ukraine reached out for help… I did not hesitate to show my support.”
He notes that Caerphilly is a “warm and welcoming place,” but adds that this is not unique: “it is in the DNA of people and communities in Wales across the country.” The presence of active volunteers and community spaces creates the conditions for a warm welcome. This face-to-face contact and “bridge building,” he says, helps to “dispel the myths that may be peddled by some of the less savoury types that can be found lurking in UK politics.”
As a supporter of the Welsh “Nation of Sanctuary” initiative, Peredur believes the practical steps are simple: “It is as simple as being warm and friendly.” “The people who have come to our country… have done so because they have no other choice. People are fleeing war and death,” he stresses. “The least we can do is show understanding and compassion… Refugees deserve to be treated better than political footballs and I condemn any political party or politician that does this.
The Gratitude Orchard and the Power of Culture
When it comes to specific community projects, Mr Griffiths highlights the “Ukrainian Gratitude Orchard” in Morgan Jones Park. He calls it a “wonderful initiative that will live on for generations and generations,” and one that “shows the best of Ukraine and Wales.” He hopes that “as the orchard develops, I hope the bond between our nations also grows and bears fruit.” In his opinion, “schemes like this should be adopted and developed in other communities as a means of fostering understanding.”
He also notes the power of cultural exchange, recalling the Ukrainian art exhibition in Caerphilly as a “really inspiring” event. “Like Ukraine, Wales is a musical nation and the arts can deepen and develop the bond that already exists between our nations,” he believes. “Through culture, we can gain a better understanding of another nation and its people.” He also mentioned the Ukrainian food at the event, noting it was “delicious!”
Peredur Owen Griffiths with the community at the ‘Ukrainian Gratitude Orchard’ in Morgan Jones Park
From Safety to Economic Contribution
Mr Griffiths also touches upon the challenges facing the community. He notes that while he has not received much casework from Ukrainians—”but my door is always open”—he has understood from conversations with them that “racism and the rise of the far right is an emerging issue.” “It is paramount,” he says, “that refugees – who have endured some horrific experiences in their homeland – feel safe when they resettle.”
He added: “I will continue to speak out against the ‘othering’ that has become commonplace on the right of our political scene.”
He also stated: “It was heartening that people in Caerffili rejected the politics of hate in the recent by-election and chose a more positive option in terms of vision, hope and community cohesion.”
Answering how he plans to use his platform in the Senedd to support refugees, Mr Griffiths affirmed: “I will continue to do what I have always done – speak out in the Senedd on the issue, write in the local press about the need to encourage tolerance and understanding as well as continue to extend my hand of friendship to Ukrainians – and other refugees – that have made Wales their home. Politicians have a duty to lead by example and I will continue to advocate for all refugees.”
For those looking for opportunities to contribute to the economy, Mr Griffiths recommends several resources. Among them are the dedicated website for finding work and the Working Wales service. This is a free service available to anyone aged 16 and over and living in Wales. Working Wales offers “careers information, advice, and guidance as well as help to find job opportunities, CV and application support. They can also help with job interview preparation, support to apply for funding and advice and coaching on career change.”
Furthermore, he points to the National Employer and Partnership Teams (NEPT), who “work with around 500 national employers… to support refugees – including Ukrainians – into work.”
Preserving Identity in a New Home
Looking to the future, the Member of the Senedd speaks about the importance of preserving cultural identity. “When you first move to a country, retaining your culture and language are important and key to feeling comfortable in a strange land,” he notes.
“As someone who holds Welsh culture very close to my heart, I understand why Ukrainians are so proud of their culture… Whether refugees decide to call themselves Ukrainians, Welsh or Welsh Ukrainians, I would not want to see that connection to the homeland lost.”
He adds that there are many services available within local authorities that can help people, especially with integration. “With language sometimes being a barrier, local authorities have a duty to ensure that they can communicate to the people they are trying to help.”
Peredur Owen Griffiths’s final message to the Ukrainian community is:
“My message would be to keep doing what you are doing. Among decent, kind and compassionate people, the Ukrainians that have come to Wales have made a very positive impression. They are a credit to themselves and the nation of Ukraine. They have also embedded themselves in community life, have set up businesses and have enriched our society. I hope they realise that as far as Plaid Cymru is concerned, they are very welcome for as long as they want to stay here.”
By Viktor Moroz for Ukrainians.Wales
Photos by Dariia Zhdanova
