Yesterday change-makers from every corner of our City of Sanctuary networks came together in London to share stories, spark new ideas, and forge the path forward. It was one of those days where you could feel the collective commitment in the room, even as we all quietly wilted in the heat.

To reflect on the last 20 years of welcome, we brought together the movement’s co-founder Dr Inderjit Bhogul; our first network coordinator, Tiffy Allen; our honoury president and former chair, Sabir Zazai; and one of the original graduates of the Sanctuary in Politics scheme, member of our experts by experience panel and Tees Valley Sanctuary group co-chair, Shams Moussa to share their their reflections on the movement’s growth.

After reflecting on the roots of the movement, our Chief Officer, Siân Summers-Rees, presented City of Sanctuary’s draft 2026-2030 strategy, which is based around bold doubling down on anti-racism and social justice. As we grow and adapt to the changing political and social landscape of the UK, we must be bold and out spoken as we challenge the systems that create displacement and discrimination in the first place.

Phosphorus Theatre Company, one of the first Theatre Companies of Sanctuary, gave us an extract of their performance “Life in the UK” , an exploration of identity, belonging, and home, while St. Margaret’s School choir, a School of Sanctuary, got everyone in the room singing along. A pretty unforgettable moment.

The day saw two sets of workshops covering resilience against the far right, racial justice, campaigning under Labour, climate justice, trauma-informed support, and co-production models. A huge thank you to the workshop faciliators from our partners and friends at HOPE not Hate, Aid Alliance, Refugee Action, Asylum Matters, Together With Refugees, the Climate Coalition, Phosphorus Theatre and our own City of Sanctuary team.

Finally Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles, Trustee, Sanctuary Ambassador and new Reading Mayor, offered her closing reflections and the room buzzed with renewed energy.

Twenty years in, City of Sanctuary is evolving, learning, and preparing to meet the challenges ahead with passion and conviction. Yesterday reminded us all why this work matters and why, together, we can create the welcoming, just society we all deserve.

Our tiny team does this work on a shoe-string – if you believe in the power of welcome, please consider becoming a monthly donor.