Listening to the voices of migrant communities in Wales

Women visit the Senedd to get their voices heard

Five months ago, a group of women from South Riverside Community Development Centre, TCC and CPLW in Wrexham were supported by the Bevan Foundation to share their views on childcare with the Senedd’s Equality and Social Justice Committee.  

The women were delighted that the Committee listened carefully to their views and incorporated many of their concerns and ideas for change into the Committee’s report.  The report quoted this extract from the women’s response: 

“There is a lack of staff / providers who speak languages other than English / Welsh. This can cause a significant barrier for migrant families, especially those who are newly arrived in the country. There is lack of communication, or miscommunication, between the provider and family, and this leads to decisions being made about children without the informed consent of parents. This disproportionately affects Black and ethnic minority families.” 

On Wednesday 30th March, the women were able to sit in on the Senedd Plenary debate about the Committee’s findings. They also met with Jane Hutt MS, Minister for Social Justice. For many it was the first time they had visited the Welsh Parliament and to hear the importance of childcare being debated was exciting for all. 

We gratefully acknowledge the help of the Senedd Engagement Team for actively seeking out the voices of migrant communities in Wales and for arranging the Senedd tour and viewing of the debate!