Welcome to Bridging the Gap
We are here for you!
Welcome to Bridging the Gap. We are here for you!
Bridging the Gap is a community-led initiative supporting refugees and asylum seekers (RAS) in Wales to access, resume, or advance their academic journey. Whether you're starting undergraduate studies or returning to research, you're not alone.
We’re here to walk with you.
Our Vision
To create an equitable higher education environment where people seeking sanctuary are empowered to thrive as learners, researchers, leaders, changemakers, and valued contributors to society.
Our Mission
To create equitable pathways into undergraduate, postgraduate, and research opportunities.
Choose the academic path that fits your journey
Ready Access
(Undergraduate)
Tailored support for sanctuary seekers who want to begin resume – undergraduate or masters journey. This stream supports people with a wide range of qualifications including those with disrupted education or foreign certificates and helps you:
- Understand UK university options and entry routes
- Navigate UCAS and scholarship
- Access foundation year or Access to HE courses
- Connect with education advisors and support services
- Build confidence to thrive in a UK university environment
Reconnecting with Academic Research
- Rebuild academic confidence
- Develop research and writing skills
- Understand PhD pathways and UK academic culture
- Present your research and get tailored mentoring
- Connect with supervisors and peer researchers
Next Cohort Begins: 26th August 2025 at Cardiff University
-> Bridging the Gap: Reconnecting Sanctuary Seekers with Research
What We Do
Practical guidance for university access
Advocacy for Empowerment and Agency
Research and Innovation Services.
"Education is the process of reclaiming ourselves.” — bell hooks
At Bridging the Gap, we believe education is not just a goal — it is a path to healing, reconnection, and leadership.
For sanctuary seekers, accessing higher education is a powerful step toward reclaiming identity, restoring interrupted dreams, and reimagining their place in the world as scholars, researchers, and changemakers.
Our Story:
Bridging the Gap was founded by Judith Nkwopara, a sanctuary seeker and social work student whose lived experience of navigating barriers to higher education inspired a vision for systemic change.
The program as part of project during the Sanctuary in Politics course by City of Sanctuary in September 2024, where she presented a proposal to support sanctuary seekers in reconnecting with academia. This initial concept laid the foundation for what is now a growing grassroots initiative.
Today, Bridging the Gap is a collaborative effort with key stakeholders including, sanctuary seekers, universities, community organisations, and the Welsh Government working together to champion educational justice, dignity, and inclusion for people seeking sanctuary.
Our Pillars
HOPE
Dignity
Inclusion
Everyone deserves equal access to learning, growth, and opportunity.
Integration
HOPE
Dignity
Lived experience is respected as knowledge that enriches communities and institutions.
Inclusion
Everyone deserves equal access to learning, growth, and opportunity.
Integration
We promote meaningful participation, belonging, and contribution across academic and social life.
Support Us
Meet the Team & Partners
Bridging the Gap is powered by a growing community of mentors, academics, students, and people with lived experience of seeking sanctuary. Our team brings together diverse knowledge, compassion, and commitment to inclusive education.
We work in collaboration with universities, grassroots organisations, and national stakeholders including the Welsh Government to promote accessible and equitable pathways into higher education for sanctuary seekers across Wales.
Get Involved
We believe change happens when people come together. There are two key ways you can support Bridging the Gap:
🌱 Become a Mentor
Help sanctuary seekers reconnect with education and research. As a mentor, you’ll guide, encourage, and inspire individuals to take their next steps in higher education.
🤝 Volunteer with Us
Support our drop-in sessions by volunteering your time and skills. Volunteers help create a welcoming space, assist with activities, and ensure everyone feels included.
✨ Your support makes a real difference.
🌟 Drop-in Support Sessions
We offer accessible drop-in sessions to ensure sanctuary seekers can receive timely, in-person support without needing a prior appointment.
💬 Why Drop-in Sessions?
We understand that not everyone has access to digital tools or able to booking online. Our drop-in sessions provide a welcoming space for those who prefer face-to-face support, have urgent questions, or need guidance with access to education. These sessions foster trust, inclusion, and accessibility — values at the heart of our work.
📍 Where to Find Us
Cardiff Central Library – Every week from 1PM to 4PM
Cardiff and Vale College – Every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month
📅 Prefer a one-to-one session?
Use the “Book a meeting with us” option to arrange personalized support with a member of our team.
Newsletter
Stay connected!
Subscribe for occasional updates on:
– New courses and program dates
– Scholarships and funding opportunities
– Events, research, and inspiring stories
Drop-In Sessions
What are Drop-Ins?
Upcoming Sessions
🌟 Drop-in Support Sessions
We offer accessible drop-in sessions to ensure sanctuary seekers can receive timely, in-person support without needing a prior appointment.
💬 Why Drop-in Sessions?
We understand that not everyone has access to digital tools or able to booking online. Our drop-in sessions provide a welcoming space for those who prefer face-to-face support, have urgent questions, or need guidance with access to education. These sessions foster trust, inclusion, and accessibility — values at the heart of our work.
📍 Where to Find Us
Cardiff Central Library – Every week from 1PM to 4PM
Cardiff and Vale College – Every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month
📅 Prefer a one-to-one session?
Use the “Book a meeting with us” option to arrange personalized support with a member of our team.
Book a 1:1 Session
Want personalized support?
Book a private session with our team to talk about your goals, applications, or challenges.
Booking Form Includes:
- Name & contact
- Program stream (Undergraduate / Postgraduate)
- Reason for session
- Preferred date/time
- Language support needed?
🌟 Drop-in Support Sessions
We offer accessible drop-in sessions to ensure sanctuary seekers can receive timely, in-person support without needing a prior appointment.
💬 Why Drop-in Sessions?
We understand that not everyone has access to digital tools or able to booking online. Our drop-in sessions provide a welcoming space for those who prefer face-to-face support, have urgent questions, or need guidance with access to education. These sessions foster trust, inclusion, and accessibility — values at the heart of our work.
📍 Where to Find Us
Cardiff Central Library – Every week from 1PM to 4PM
Cardiff and Vale College – Every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month
📅 Prefer a one-to-one session?
Use the “Book a meeting with us” option to arrange personalized support with a member of our team.
Contact Us
Got questions? Need help?
Reach out directly using the form or contact info below.
Blog / Stories / Updates
A space to share:
Participant success stories
Reflections from mentors and researchers
Program milestones and impact
Calls to action and event highlights
Share Our Message
Help spread the word about the barriers asylum seekers face in accessing university.
You can:
* Share our website and social media
* Invite us to speak at events or schools
* Include our work in newsletters or blogs
Collaborate with Us
Are you part of a university, charity, or support service?
We welcome partnerships to:
* Co-host events or workshops
* Offer space, resources, or expertise
* Explore new ways to support learners from sanctuary-seeking backgrounds
Volunteer Your Time
If you have experience in education, research, mentorship, or community engagement, your time and skills can help us grow.
We’re especially keen to hear from:
* Students
* Educators Mentors
* Community advocates
* People with lived experience