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.
If you would like to receive news of refugee-related events in Sheffield please go to our ‘Contact‘ page.
Read our impact report
City of Sanctuary Sheffield has completed a report about our work over the past year. In it you can read about developments at The Sanctuary, services we and our partners have delivered at the multi-agency drop-in, and the contribution of our wonderful team of volunteers. There are also comments from some of the people we have tried to help. Have a look at the full report here.
Recent News
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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…
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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…
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Please help The Sanctuary win £50k!
City of Sanctuary’s exciting new refugee centre in Sheffield is in the running to win £50,000 from the Big Lottery, in a link-up with ITV regional television. Please spare a minute to help them win these much-needed funds by clicking…
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COSS wins Duke of York Award
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Solidarity with migrants on One Day Without Us
Sheffielders came out in force to show their solidarity with migrants as part of the national ‘One Day Without Us’ celebration. Participants gathered at The Sanctuary for home made cakes and hot drinks before setting off to march from Devonshire…
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CoS founder wins national peace award
City of Sanctuary’s founder and national patron has been awarded this year’s Wilson-
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It’s “The Sanctuary”!
“The Sanctuary” is now the official name for our new premises on Chapel Walk. It was confirmed by City of Sanctuary Sheffield trustees following consultation with supporters, centre users and donors. Meanwhile work will start soon to fit out the…
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Oasis becomes first School of Sanctuary
Congratulations to the staff and students at Oasis Academy Watermead, on becoming Sheffield’s first School of Sanctuary. Over the past few months the school has been working on the key criteria needed to get this special status, by learning about asylum…
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Thornbridge Hall concert raises a Grand for Welcome Centre
Thornbridge Hall, near Bakewell, was the magnificent setting for a concert of piano duets performed in support of our new Welcome Centre. Sue Clark and David Winder entertained a packed room of invited guests, with a programme of pieces spanning three…
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Welcome Centre success – now for a name?
A huge thank you to all who supported our appeal for the proposed new ‘Welcome Centre’. The fantastic response meant we hit our target of £60k and our bid to lease the building in Chapel Walk has been accepted. We…
Read all our news posts.