City of Sanctuary UK is a charitable organisation that coordinates, develops and supports networks of individuals and organisations working to build a culture of welcome for people seeking sanctuary.
We support local voluntary and community led groups, charities, councils, schools, universities, libraries, faith institutions, arts organisations and many others to create inclusive and welcoming communities across the UK.
About Our Work
What is the City of Sanctuary movement?
The City of Sanctuary movement supports networks of local voluntary and community groups and organisations (both statutory and charitable) committed to making their communities a welcoming place for everyone, particularly people seeking sanctuary.
Movement members work in line with our shared vision and values, while responding to the specific needs and opportunities within their community.
What are City of Sanctuary groups?
There are over 70 local City of Sanctuary groups across the UK. They vary in size and structure – some are registered charities, while others are volunteer-led community groups. Most of these groups use the name ‘City of Sanctuary’.
Activities differ from place to place, but all groups work to:
- Promote a culture of welcome
- Build connections between communities
- Support local organisations to become places of safety and inclusion
Local groups are independently run but align with the vision and values of City of Sanctuary UK.
Who is a “person seeking sanctuary”?
We use the term “person seeking sanctuary” to emphasise dignity and humanity rather than legal status.
It reflects our belief that people should be recognised first and foremost as individuals – neighbours, colleagues, parents, children and friends – rather than being defined by labels or paperwork. Our focus is on welcome, safety and belonging for people rebuilding their lives.
Sanctuary Awards
What are Sanctuary Awards?
Our Sanctuary Award programme recognises organisations that go above and beyond to welcome and include people seeking sanctuary.
We accept applications from:
- Universities
- Further Education Colleges
- Schools
- Local Authorities
- Faith Institutions
- Libraries
- Arts and cultural organisations
- Maternity Projects
Awarded organisations demonstrate commitment to learning, embedding inclusive practices, and sharing their message of welcome.
How does an organisation apply for a Sanctuary Award?
Organisations complete an application demonstrating how they:
- Learn about the experiences of people seeking sanctuary
- Embed inclusive practices
- Share their commitment publicly
We provide guidance and support throughout the process. Full details are available in our dedicated programme FAQs.
Our Role and Approach
Does City of Sanctuary provide legal advice, housing or casework?
No. We are a movement-building organisation and do not provide direct legal advice, housing support or casework services.
We focus on culture change and community-building. For specialist support, individuals should contact refugee support or legal organisations in their area.
What is City of Sanctuary UK’s political stance?
We are a registered charity and are therefore non-partisan.
Our focus is on promoting dignity, inclusion and welcome for people seeking sanctuary. We are not affiliated with any political party.
Do any of the City of Sanctuary programmes affect dispersal areas or housing decisions?
No. Decisions about where individuals are housed are made by the UK Government. We have no role in deciding who moves into a particular area. Decisions regarding asylum and resettlement schemes are made solely by the UK Government.
Our work begins once people are part of local communities, supporting positive inclusion and connection.
Funding and Governance
How is City of Sanctuary UK funded?
City of Sanctuary UK is a small independent charity and receives no government funding. We are funded through grants from trusts and foundations, donations from individuals and fees from elements of our Sanctuary Award programme.
Are local City of Sanctuary groups independent?
Yes. Local groups are independently governed and responsible for their own activities. They operate in alignment with the shared values and principles of the City of Sanctuary movement.
Why is it called “City” of Sanctuary if you work in towns and villages?
The movement began in Sheffield, a city, but it has always been open to towns, villages and regions. “City of Sanctuary” reflects our origins, while our work now takes place in communities and organisations of all sizes across the UK.
What does it mean if a place calls itself as a City of Sanctuary?
When people refer to a location as a “City of Sanctuary”, they are using the phrase symbolically — to express the idea that the place is welcoming everyone. It is not a legal status. It does not confer powers. It does not influence the number of people who are resettled there by the UK Government. It does not change immigration rules. It is not a binding policy framework. Find out about the Council of Sanctuary award here.
International Context
Is City of Sanctuary UK connected to the US “Cities of Sanctuary”?
No. City of Sanctuary UK is entirely separate and unrelated to organisations or initiatives using similar names in the United States. The political system in the United States enables cities to pass laws relating to immigration. Councils in the UK cannot do this.
See our Councils of Sanctuary FAQ
See our Schools of Sanctuary FAQ