At City of Sanctuary, people who are seeking sanctuary are at the heart of our work. Their experiences, insights and ideas help shape how we build a culture of welcome across the UK.
We believe people with lived experience should not only be included in conversations about sanctuary – they should help lead them. By supporting people to share their stories, develop skills and influence decision-making, we help ensure that policies, campaigns and public conversations reflect real experiences.
Through our Sanctuary Ambassador Network, Experts by Experience Advisory Group, and Sanctuary in Politics training, we create opportunities for people seeking sanctuary to build confidence, connect with others, and contribute to meaningful change.
Together, this work supports a growing movement of leaders with lived experience who are helping make the UK a more welcoming place for everyone.
Sanctuary Ambassador Network
The Sanctuary Ambassador Network is a vibrant, inclusive and creative team, passionate about building a culture of welcome and advocating for change.
Ambassadors participate in streams and awards work, social media, sharing of stories through the media, awareness raising opportunities and support for sector wide campaigns.
They also help shape City of Sanctuary’s work by contributing to the Experts by Experience Advisory Group and participating in streams steering groups.
Experts by experience advisory board
People who are seeking sanctuary are at the heart of what City of Sanctuary is all about and their voices and experiences are central to shaping the work of City of Sanctuary.
The purpose of the Advisory Group is to provide a mechanism for people seeking sanctuary to inform and influence City of Sanctuary work at all levels. Advisory Group members are nominated from the Sanctuary Ambassador Network and are also invited to trustees meetings by rotation.
Sanctuary in Politics Course
Sanctuary in Politics aims to inform, equip and amplify the voices of people seeking sanctuary in the UK.
The course helps participants understand the UK’s political system and history, while building the confidence and skills needed to engage with the media, speak publicly, and advocate for change. Through interactive sessions, discussions, assignments and placements, participants develop the tools to become effective leaders and storytellers.
Our goal is to support a new generation of Sanctuary Ambassadors – people with lived experience who can ensure the realities of seeking sanctuary are heard by the public, the media and policy-makers.
Training includes:
- Public speaking, confidence and storytelling
- Understanding the UK political system and how to engage with it
- Campaigning and advocacy skills
- Working with the media to share stories of sanctuary.
Are you a person seeking sanctuary in the UK and want to support the work of City of Sanctuary UK? Please email info@cityofsanctuary.org