Wherever we come from, we all have a right to feel safe. That’s why city by city, community by community, we are building a more welcoming UK for people rebuilding their lives here.
Our networks are made up of thousands of ordinary people all around the country who are stepping up to support people seeking sanctuary in our communities.
City of Sanctuary UK coordinates, supports and grows these networks of welcome. From community groups to schools and universities, local councils to libraries and theatres, we work with individuals, groups and organisations in every area and in every sector to encourage inclusivity, solidarity and compassion for people from a forced displacement background.
From coordination, collaboration, practical training and opportunities for people with lived experience of the asylum system, to vital resources and unmissable webinars, we do all we can to support and grow these networks of welcome.
Our Sanctuary Awards recognise and celebrate the organisations who go above and beyond to welcome people seeking sanctuary.
Inderjit Singh Bhogal founded City of Sanctuary UK, alongside Craig Barnett, in Sheffield in 2005. Two years later, with the support of the council and over 70 local community organisations, the city became the UK’s first ever City of Sanctuary. Since then, hundreds of local councils, schools, universities, libraries, theatres and more have been awarded with Sanctuary status, pledging to create a culture of solidarity, inclusivity and welcome.
For our full history, see A Hundred Thousand Welcomes, the story of City of Sanctuary.
Read our 2024 Impact Report here.
