City of Sanctuary scheme to expand network of support for refugees

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Communities, Local Government

Groups from around the country are meeting in Sheffield this week to learn how to better welcome refugees seeking sanctuary.

The City of Sanctuary scheme is holding its first national conference at the Quaker Meeting House to expand the network of towns and cities across the UK that offer themselves as places of safety.

The meeting on Wednesday aims to share ideas on how cities can involve refugees and asylum-seekers in the life of their communities.

A town or city can become a City of Sanctuary when it commits to building relationships between local people and those seeking sanctuary with support from local authorities.

After Sheffield became Britain's first City of Sanctuary in September last year, fifteen towns and cities across the UK are working on plans to create their own sanctuary.

Sheffield has more than eighty organisations that have pledged to welcome and include people seeking sanctuary.

Organiser Craig Barnett said: "The idea was inspired by the success of the 'Fairtrade Cities' movement, but it is built on the friendships that have grown up between local people and refugees in Sheffield and many other British cities over recent years."

Donna Covey, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: "Amid all the hysteria about asylum, there is a story that is often untold - many British people are welcoming to the men, women and children who come to the UK fleeing persecution.

Showing such friendship and understanding is vital to refugees whose lives have been shattered but who want to rebuild and to make a contribution."

Ms Covey added: "The Refugee Council, which is a national partner of City of Sanctuary, is delighted that the idea has inspired people around the UK to start their own groups and we believe the first City of Sanctuary national conference will give more impetus to the movement.

"We look forward to a network of cities and communities of sanctuary around the UK."