Today, a refugee told me that our suggestion to run each morning has been crucial in helping him manage his stress. Another talked about how cycling each night has transformed his sleep which he has struggled with for over 10 years. Sometimes the healing is in the ordinary things

New carpet in the living room and new recycling bins in the kitchen at our Temporary Supported accomodation today. Here, newly granted refugees live for up to 6 months, getting ready for their own tenancy, in a theraputic space where they can recover, heal and plan what's next.

This young refugee fled war in his home country 8 years ago as a 16 year old. Yesterday, he became a British citizen here in Newport. He told me how proud he feels to be British, of the welcome of his new home to whom he owes so much, and grateful for the freedom that it brings.

A lot of concern expressed today by the Gap Centre community about proposed plans to stop refugees who have settled in the UK ever becoming citizens, based on the way in which they arrived. We believe this to be unlawful, discriminatory, unnecessary and damaging for us all.

Refugee care leaver from Sudan: I was shy and sad when I first came to Newport. I didn't leave the house for a year except for appointments, but one day, my foster carer brought me to the gap centre, and from that day I didn't look back. I found my new family in the Gap Centre

Came out of delivering training for Social Services this morning, to be greeted by the great news on whatsapp that a man who has struggled during a very long wait to be granted refugee status, finally received the good news today of his status being granted.

Busy afternoon at the #NewportCycleHub drop in repairs. 5 volunteers fixed 7 bikes on the spot, (worn brakes mostly) and we gave away 5 bikes - thanks to all who fundraise, donate bikes and volunteer their time. And if you can spare some time on a Mon or Thurs pm, come and help !

We welcomed a new refugee young person transferred from Kent today - he arrived at the Gap Centre to await his Social Worker, and was soon smiling as he met other young men from his own community. He looked relieved. Effective partnership means better outcomes.

Our monthly participation event, held after college for our unaccompanied minor refugees is becoming a popular regular event, attended by Social Services staff and delivered in partnership at the Gap Centre. Today, art activities....and pizza. Our staffseemed eager to help out !

Today we did a tenancy support session for two refugee Care Leavers who have moved on from our Supported Accomodation into their own flats. Supported another refugee care leaver to send emails to confirm his induction in his new job. Supporting people through key transitions.

Our extra English booster classes on Wednesday morning with Ruth are getting very full - over 20 attending today, eager to improve their English. Most can only access 2 x 2 hours each week, so the opportunity to use conversational English at the Gap Centre is vital.

Our weekly refugee women's group painted these beautiful fridge magnets yesterday. A safe space with safe faces, a place to heal, to find community and belonging, laughter, friendship and boosting mental wellbeing through shared activities. #RestoringCommunityAndBelonging

Busy day at the Gap Centre, starting with our women's group, followed by a number of our young men coming after college to play table tennis, pool and playstation, alongside a full day of support work - housing, utility bills,legal signposting, thefts, social workers, wellbeing

Monday's bike repair volunteer team working hard - plus 2 more out of shot. 5 bikes fixed and ready to give away on Thursday. More importantly, togetherness, wellbeing and reducing isolation whilst saving the planet. Thank you all who fundraise and donate to enable us to do this.

A very happy and excited girl collected her free bike today from the #NewportCycleHub thanks to our hard working team of refugee bike repair volunteers. Thank you all who fundraise, donate bikes or are Newport @SpokeSafe customers, your support makes this possible !

Improving English skills is so important to our refugees, so we run an extra English class on a Wednesday, boosting those who need some extra input. Everyone then stays on for Lunch and a chat. Friendship, belonging and shared experience. #RebuildingCommunityAndBelonging

Our weekly refugee women's group worked with Ruth to make these lovely fridge magnetics today - shared activity, shared achievement, and building friendships together. We restore Community and Belonging to Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Newport through activities like these

Fabulous refugee volunteer team of 7 guys worked with me today to get 5 bikes ready to give away - including these 2. Working together like this reduces isolation, builds shared experiences and friendships - restoring community and belonging. #NewportCycleHub @SpokeSafe