City of Sanctuary is a movement to build a culture of welcome and hospitality for refugees and asylum-seekers. In 2007, with the support of the City Council, Sheffield became the UK’s first City of Sanctuary for asylum-seekers and refugees—a city that takes pride in the welcome it offers to people in need of safety. City of Sanctuary Sheffield is an independant charity that works to build this culture of welcome in the city.
Important Update:
Our staff and volunteers are working tirelessly to support those seeking sanctuary during the covid 19 pandemic. See The Virtual Sanctuary menu for more information about all we are doing.
News
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The Migrant COVID-19 Support Group Reaches Across the City
During lockdown, our volunteers have been hard at work co-ordinating and helping out with the Migrant COVID-19 Support Group. This part of The Virtual Sanctuary that has supported 245 people in under two months with deliveries of important items including…
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COVID-19 Migrant Support Group is making a difference!
During the COVID-19 pandemic our volunteers have been working extremely hard to continue supporting people seeking sanctuary in Sheffield, and ensure that refugees and asylum seekers feel included and connected to the larger society. One of our volunteers in the…
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Homeschool Support Project featured on ITV Calendar
During the lockdown, City of Sanctuary Sheffield has been supporting families seeking sanctuary by providing laptops, data connections and IT support to school age children across the city, enabling them to continue their education while schools are shut.
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Stop Evictions from Asylum Housing
Yesterday (March 18) the government promised that private tenants will not be evicted from their homes for at least three months even if struggling with their rent under emergency coronavirus legislation.
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Parliamentary Debate on Asylum Decisions
Paul Blomfield, Labour MP for Sheffield Central, recently took part in a Parliamentary debate on the timescale of asylum decisions, arguing that the current 28 day moving-on period for asylum support is insufficient, and calling this period to be doubled…
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Theatre of Sanctuary Network Assembly meets in Sheffield
Sheffield—the UK's first City of Sanctuary—hosted the second Theatre of Sanctuary Network Assembly last month, with over 30 theatre practitioners, festival organisers and arts curators assembling in the city to discuss how the performing arts can promote sanctuary.
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Sanctuary Stage at Pedlars Corner Flea Market
City of Sanctuary Sheffield is delighted to announce a partnership with the Pedlars Corner Flea Market, which takes place at Abbeydale Picturehouse every month.
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The Sanctuary’s First Birthday
The Sanctuary celebrated its (belated) first birthday on Thursday 26th September in the most eclectic style. A crowd was there to hear speeches from many involved in the movement and to give an emotional farewell to Sarah after 10 years…
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Sheffield Hallam announces sanctuary scholarships
Sheffield Hallam University(SHU) is celebrating World Refugee Day by launching a new scheme to improve access to higher education for young people who have sought sanctuary in the UK.
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Health report published
Research among refugees in Sheffield shows a general appreciation of the care offered by the National Health Service, while highlighting a need for greater awareness of what is available and how it should be accessed. An inquiry, organised by City…
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The Sanctuary lease is signed!
We're delighted to announce that following months of negotiation, City of Sanctuary Sheffield's Chair Mike Reynolds has finally put his signature to the lease of 37-39 Chapel Walk - watched here by our ever patient solicitor, Keith Arrowsmith of Counterculture…
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Sheffield MP wins detention champion award
Sheffield Central MP Paul Blomfield has been given an award in recognition of his Parliamentary work advocating for detention reform. The "Detention Forum Champion" award was presented to Mr Blomfield at a special celebratory Iftar event prepared by a local…
