Since our establishment in 2005, City of Sanctuary Sheffield has grown from an idea of welcome into a diverse movement, creating safety and welcome for people seeking sanctuary across the UK. 

We have created a timeline that captures the story of City of Sanctuary Sheffield’s journey, from 2005, when Rev Dr Inderjit Singh Bhogal OBE began exploring an idea of how Sheffield could become a ‘City of Sanctuary’, to today. This timeline reflects the key moments that have shaped our movement and impact.  

This year, we have shared a lot about The Sanctuary development, which is progressing through the iterative, creative, thoughtful, design process of researching, actioning and living in the space.    

We are currently in the building process, which follows a period of deep research and a design that responds directly to the needs of people who use The Sanctuary. The photos below were taken this week to give you a glimpse of The Sanctuary’s progress. 

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we’ve raised £10,000 of our £15,000 target, but we need your help to complete the full scope of our planned work.By donating to our GoFundMe and sharing it widely, you can make a real difference. Every contribution brings us closer to reopening our space of safety and security for a community in great need.  

Did you know that The Sanctuary was opened in 2018, following a review of asylum needs in Sheffield and an incredible community crowdfunding campaign? Our community raised £70,000, enabling City of Sanctuary Sheffield to successfully bid for the Chapel Walk lease.

We hope our timeline provides those new to our work with valuable insight into how we work, responding to the true needs of our community, building safe and welcoming spaces in Sheffield, and working to effect systemic change within the asylum system. For everyone who has supported us along the way, we hope you feel proud of what we’ve achieved together and encouraged to continue with us on this journey. 

Today, City of Sanctuary Sheffield continues to work with resilience, agility and joy. For as long as we are needed, we will strive to create a city that is safe and welcoming for all, just as we have done since 2005.