Across the UK, something powerful is happening this May. Communities, charities, faith groups and individuals are coming together for A Million Acts of Hope – a national week of action celebrating kindness, connection and the everyday ways we support one another.
At City of Sanctuary UK, we know that these small acts matter. They are the foundation of the movement we’ve been building for years – city by city, community by community – creating places where people seeking sanctuary are welcomed, supported and able to thrive as our friends, neighbours and colleagues.
Why this campaign matters now
It can sometimes feel like division and negativity dominate the headlines. But that’s not the full picture.
All around us, people are:
- Welcoming new neighbours
- Volunteering their time
- Offering friendship and solidarity
- Standing up for fairness and compassion
These are the stories that often go untold. A Million Acts of Hope is about changing that – shining a light on the positive, and reminding ourselves that there is far more that connects us than divides us.
A natural fit for our Sanctuary movement
The campaign aligns closely with what our network already does every day.
From local groups to Schools, Libraries, Universities and other Sanctuary Award holders, our movement is built on:
- Creating opportunities for connection
- Amplifying refugee voices
- Building understanding and empathy
- Turning compassion into action
Whether it’s a conversation, an event, or a simple gesture of welcome—these are all acts of hope.
How you can get involved
We’re inviting all local groups and Sanctuary-awarded organisations to take part this May. You might:
- Host a local event – bring people together for food, conversation, creativity or storytelling
- Share your stories – highlight the acts of welcome already happening in your community
- Do a Refugee Week “Simple Act” – small everyday actions can have a big impact
- Collaborate locally – partner with other organisations, schools or community groups
- Use your platform – share messages of hope across your networks and social media
No action is too small. In fact, it’s the collective power of many small actions that makes this campaign so meaningful.
Let’s tell a different story
As a network, we have a unique opportunity.
Together, we can:
- Celebrate the incredible work already happening across our communities
- Inspire others to take part
- Show what a welcoming UK really looks like
This May, let’s be part of something bigger. Let’s make visible the compassion, solidarity and humanity that define our movement.
Join us. Share your act of hope. And help build a culture of welcome – one action at a time.
- Sign up via the A Million Acts of Hope website
- Join the webinar on April 1st, designed specifically for refugee support sector organisations and groups
- Sign up to our mailing list to be kept in the loop