The University of Manchester and Manchester Museum have been awarded university of sanctuary and museum of sanctuary status. The universities and museums of sanctuary initiatives celebrate the good practice of institutions that welcome asylum seekers and refugees into their communities and promote a culture of inclusion.

To be awarded the status, organisations must demonstrate an existing commitment to welcoming and supporting ‘sanctuary seekers’ and then pledge to develop this even further over the next three years. Manchester is the first university of sanctuary in the north-west and one of only 10 across the country whilst Manchester Museum is just the second museum of sanctuary nationwide.

The awards took place at the Manchester City of Sanctuary Big Conversation event and were presented by Kate Green MP who said: “I am delighted to present Manchester Museum and The University of Manchester with these awards and thank them for the welcome they offer to those seeking sanctuary.”  The Museum’s award was collected by Andrea Winn, Curator of Community Exhibitions at the Museum and the University’s award was collected by Gulwali Passarlay, a refugee from Afghanistan and alumnus of the University who completed its Manchester Access Programme whilst in sixth form.

Stephanie Lee, Head of Widening Participation at the University, said: “We’re extremely proud to have received this award as it reflects the work already taking place across the University. This ranges from our academic research in this area to student and staff volunteering with refugee and asylum seeker charities.

“We are also making the University more accessible through the provision of study space at our Library and our Article 26 Scholarships. This award provides us with another opportunity to create better awareness of the existing work we do as well as continue to develop and improve our support.”