Asylum World in a Frame
On the 21st of March, we were proud to be part of a powerful Photovoice exhibition sharing the lived experiences of Bristol-based sanctuary seekers at @Mshed.
Through photography and personal storytelling, contributors captured moments of challenge, uncertainty, connection, and joy — offering perspectives on life in the asylum system that are too often unheard.
This exhibition was created in collaboration with SARI, Hope Service, BRASP members, including Pride Without Borders, and led by our Lived Experience Advocates alongside artist Aida Silvestri.
From CEO, Emma Breach:
Our Lived Experience Advocates stole the show – clearly articulating the issues which have inspired this exhibition (calls for connection and dignity, an end to sudden dispersals across the country, safe accommodation for LGBTQIA+ sanctuary seekers, psychologically-informed living conditions which enhance rather than risk wellbeing and mental health for people seeking sanctuary).
Our seminar discussions and plenary arrived at some key agreements: support for the creation of a new Lived Experience Wellbeing Panel to sit on key strategic local and regional meetings and influence decision-making; and a commitment to display our exhibition at City Hall for a longer run, allowing more people to engage with the powerful content and messages.
Special thanks to our partners from Stand Against Racism & Inequality, NHS Hope Trauma Service and Tom Daley with Sibo from Bristol Refugee Rights.
And to our esteemed guests: Peaches Golding OBE CStJ, Carla Denyer MP, Deputy Mayor Cllr Andrew Varney, Sibusiso T, Anastasia Blaize, and Emily Fear. You made the panel discussion come alive and reminded us that Bristol is a welcoming and determined City of Sanctuary, with real ambition to be a model of best practice across the UK.
We leave you with this poem written by our Lived Experience Advocate Muneeba Mubashir and translated from Urdu:
Posted on: 9th April 2026