Taking Part

Are you a member of the Syrian or Sri Lankan refugee communities in South Wales? Would you be willing you share your life story with us and enable us to understand better the challenges that refugees face and how you started a new life in Wales? If so, we would like to talk to you as soon as possible about recording your life story.

Frequently asked questions

Why take part?

Your life story and memories will make an important contribution to understanding refugee experiences and strategies for survival. Your story will become part of the history of Wales.

What will taking part involve?

We will ask you to share your stories and memories of being a refugee in an interview. The interview will be very flexible. The pace will be entirely led by you. Although the interviewer will have a set of topics to discuss with you, how you choose to answer is up to you. We will audio record your interview.

After the interview is complete, the audio recording will be transcribed and summarised. After this, you will receive a copy for your approval. Subject to your approval, the interview will be used for educational purposes. If you give your permission, your recorded interview will be archived for future generations at Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales.

How long will the interview take?

The interview will last for between 1 and 2 hours.

Where will the interview be conducted?

The recordings will take place at a time and in a place that is convenient for you, perhaps in a quiet room at your home or possibly at a venue booked by a member of the project team.

Will I be paid for taking part?

There will be no payment for participating in the research.

What are the possible benefits of taking part?

One of the aims of the study is to enable refugee communities to get their stories heard by those that matter. Telling these stories is important, especially for policy making and education. The project aims to raise awareness and support refugees in their struggle to thrive and belong.

What are the possible risks of taking part?

Confidentiality : There may be reasons why you need to keep some information confidential. If you wish, you can choose to use a pseudonym instead of your real name. We can also restrict access to sensitive aspects of any interview. No pressure will be put on you to impart information which might put you or others in danger.

Psychological effects : We can offer psychological support should you find retelling your story distressing. We will provide optional sessions in which participants can meet each other and discuss their experience as interviewees.

Other Activities

As our project progresses, we will offer a number of events and activities for other refugees and a wider public. Details will follow in due course.