In Newport SHARED Futures worked with the Welsh Refugee Council to create a welcome pack for new arrivals to the area. SHARED Futures helped develop the project and our key worker, Nadine, has been central to planning the activities, running aspects of the programme and ensuring the engagement and sustained participation of the young people.

Twenty-seven young people from host and refugee communities in Newport came together to share their understandings and experiences of immigration. They enjoyed a range of activities at a residential weekend at Hilston Park in Gwent, Wales, where they made new friends and learned to work as a team.

During the residential weekend the refugee young people talked about what it was like to lose their homes, flee their countries and arrive in Newport. They discussed what helped and what didn't help them settle in. Whilst several had to cope with racism and initial problems understanding English, they said that making friends and getting involved in social and learning activities helped most. The Welsh young people looked at myths surrounding asylum and their more negative attitudes towards asylum seekers visibly changed.

The young people decided to create a music communication video, 'Welcome to Newport', to share what they had learnt and welcome young refugees to Newport. The weekend activities and follow on workshops were filmed. Through the workshops the group developed their ideas, planned and story-boarded the video and met with professionals in the music, film and fashion industry. These eventful and fun activities gave the young people the chance to have full input into the music video. The group of young people planned and designed all the elements of the film including writing the song lyrics, creating the dance moves, performing, choosing the locations and designing and making their costumes.

The Welcome to Newport video was launched on 5th October 2010 at the YMCA, Newport.

On 21st October 2010 the First Films Awards Night celebrated the talents of Newport's budding young film makers. The Welcome to Newport group won two awards: 'Best Direction' and 'Judges Choice'.

Celebration pictures and short film.