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The City of Sanctuary Organisation

Wherever we come from, we all have a right to feel safe. The City of Sanctuary’s aim is to welcome asylum seekers and refugees. That’s why city by city, community by community, The City of Sanctuary is building a more welcoming UK for people forced to flee their homes. It was founded 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.

Wakefield City of Sanctuary Group

Wakefield District City of Sanctuary is a registered charity and is part of the national City of Sanctuary movement. We are a small group of volunteers who give practical support to asylum seekers and refugees in our district. We encourage other community groups to welcome refugees. We also manage the Welcome to Wakefield website providing sign posting for asylum seekers and refugees.

The Wakefield City of Sanctuary Story

The Bishop of Wakefield first introduced the City of Sanctuary movement to Wakefield in 2005 beginning with a drop-in centre at the Quaker Meeting House. Before long, asylum seekers and refugees were flocking for help with problems.