Welcome to the Chinese in Wales Association (CIWA) website! We are a UK-registered charity (charity number 1175444) dedicated to improving the lives of people with Chinese heritage living in Wales. CIWA is community-led and grassroots-based, with our head office in Swansea. As the first point of contact for ethnic Chinese residents in Wales, we aim to provide valuable information, resources, and support. If you have any questions or would like to get involved with CIWA, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our Stories
Year of the Dragon 2024 and the launch of Our Stories: Collecting the oral histories of the Chinese community in Wales.
Advocacy
Providing advice, information, and referrals to individuals, as well as casework advocacy to help address their needs. These services aim to empower individuals by providing them with the support they need to access their rights and entitlements, and to feel included and connected to their communities.
Older People
The Chinese older population in Wales faces isolation due to language barriers and dispersed families. CIWA provides social, physical, and outdoor activities for adults 50+ to help them stay healthy, active, and connected.
Young People
We will be running different activities for young people, including social, physical and study group activities.
Interpretation and Translation Service
Providing translation and interpretation services in Mandarin, Cantonese, English and Welsh. These services aim to break down language barriers and facilitate effective communication between individuals and organizations, promoting understanding and integration.
Get Involved
Join us as a volunteer, intern, or work placement candidate and help us achieve our mission of empowering and uplifting the Chinese community.
Building a Stronger Chinese Community in Wales
Join us in Building a More Inclusive Wales
Our mission is to promote community cohesion, support those facing disadvantage, and promote the sharing of both Chinese and Welsh culture and heritage. We offer a wide range of services to meet the changing needs of the Chinese community, including language services, advice, advocacy, an information service, case referral, and social, cultural, and educational activities.
We also offer a variety of volunteering opportunities, student internships, and paid work placements to help young people gain employability skills and work experience.
Advancing Cultural Exchange: Services for the Chinese and Welsh Community
We are committed to providing a range of services and support to the Chinese community in Wales, and we will continue to adapt and evolve as necessary to meet the changing needs of our members.
Advocacy
Providing advice, information, and referrals to individuals, as well as casework advocacy to help address their needs. These services aim to empower individuals by providing them with the support they need to access their rights and entitlements, and to feel included and connected to their communities.
Autism Support
The Chinese Autism Support Group was founded by our autism specialist Hazel Lim. We have run autism projects specifically focused on improving the lives of Chinese families living with autism and related conditions.
Be Kind and Befriending
Linking volunteers and the elderly people with technology to enhance wellbeing and end isolation. Also include Welsh culture elements promotion in the project.
Benefit Advice
Providing a Chinese language benefit service in Wales to empower community members by helping them understand their rights and assist them in claiming what they are entitled to.
Counselling Services
Our professional counsellors provide a safe, confidential space to explore your concerns and find solutions. We support mental health, difficult life events, and emotional challenges. Services available in Mandarin, Cantonese, Hakka, and English.
Dragon Festival Project
Organising social, cultural, and educational events to promote diversity and inclusion and to participate in the promotion of a multicultural society. These programs aim to celebrate the diversity of different cultures and promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
Hate Crime Reporting
We are proud to be one of the organisations supporting victims of all crime, especially hate crime in any form or nature.
Interpretation and Translation Service
Providing translation and interpretation services in Mandarin, Cantonese, English and Welsh. These services aim to break down language barriers and facilitate effective communication between individuals and organizations, promoting understanding and integration.
Mental Health Resources and Helplines
Providing physical and social activities that promote wellbeing, as well as the multilingual counselling service. These services aim to promote physical and mental health, and help individuals stay healthy, feel included and connected to their communities.
Older People
The Chinese older population in Wales faces isolation due to language barriers and dispersed families. CIWA provides social, physical, and outdoor activities for adults 50+ to help them stay healthy, active, and connected.
Our Stories
Year of the Dragon 2024 and the launch of Our Stories: Collecting the oral histories of the Chinese community in Wales.
Young People
We will be running different activities for young people, including social, physical and study group activities.