A TOWN has been formally recognised as being a safe haven for people fleeing overseas conflict.

An event was held to mark Flint being launched as a ‘safe sanctuary’ for refugees who have fled war-torn Syria.

It is the second town in Flintshire to take part in the programme after an initial launch in Mold last summer.

The event was held at the River Dee Centre in Flint, with David Hanson, MP for Delyn and Hannah Blythyn, Assembly Member for Delyn, both in attendance.

To be recognised as a town of sanctuary, the community pledge for their town to be by starting campaign groups.

One of these is Synergy, a group aiming to make the whole of Flintshire a safe sanctuary for refugees that was launched last summer.

Liz Litherland, a member of the group, said: “It was a brilliant event, and it’s great to see Flintshire growing and moving towards being a county of sanctuary.

“David Hanson spoke poignantly about during the uncertainty of Brexit how great it is to see communities in his constituency taking pride in welcoming outsiders.”

Welsh Government last week launched the ‘Nation of Sanctuary – Refugee and Asylum Seeker Plan’ as the latest step towards its ambition of making Wales a nation of sanctuary for all who choose to make it their home.

It also recognises the valuable skills and experiences which refugees and asylum seekers can bring with them to enhance Welsh communities.

Flint is currently home to two Syrian families who fled the country’s civil war, which has been raging since 2011 and has claimed approximately 207,000 civilian lives.

As a whole, there are five Syrian families made up of 25 people living in Flintshire and communities across Wales have already welcomed close to 1,000 Syrian refugees. This is part of the UK Government’s Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme, and the Community Support scheme.

The plan highlights a range of targeted and culturally-appropriate support, recognising the importance of designing and delivering services tailored for often unique needs.

Hannah Blythyn AM said: “Wales is a welcoming nation and has a proud history of welcoming refugees and the Welsh Government’s Nation of Sanctuary plan is about ensuring this happens.

“I’m proud that Delyn has further extended the hand of friendship with Flint becoming a town of sanctuary, just as Mold has done previously.”

For more information, including how to start a group visit https://cityofsanctuary.org/