Dear friends,

It was wonderful to see many of you as we launched this year's FE College of Sanctuary programme at the start of the college year. In this launch, we introduced the programme and the award, and broke down the process and the criteria - including all of the timescales for applications this year.  

As we move into the winter and leave the start of the college year, there's still plenty of opportunities to think about continuing to build sanctuary in college, including...

International Migrants' Day: Migration makes us

International Migrants' Day falls on the 18th December - a great opportunity to explore your college and community's connections to migration and understand how migration has made our communities and families what they are. With the demonisation of people seeking safety fitting within wider hostile narratives about migration, it's important to help learners, staff and wider community members understand how migration has shaped us all. Explore local migration histories, stories of migration from our homes, or recognise local migrants' contributions to your area with a Blue Plaque. 

New year, New eVisas:  Check-in with learners

As of 31st December, millions of people across the UK who are using physical immigration documents (such as biometric residency permits [BRP cards]) will switch to using eVisas. Most people will only be able to demonstrate their immigration status and entitlements through an eVisa which they can access online by logging into their UKVI account. Receiving an eVisa is not automatic - people will have to apply and register online. Support services are highlighting this can be incredibly confusing and difficult for some people, especially those who may struggle with digital devices. As trusted institutions, colleges can help check-in with learners who might be affected and help walk them through the steps to apply. Learn more about the application process in this step-by-step guide.

Read on for the latest newsletter, where we share relevant CPD opportunities, news from FE Colleges, the latest blogs, reports and resources and collective action to help strengthen our efforts. 

Kind regards,
Rosie Tapsfield, Colleges of Sanctuary Lead

Welcome to the FE Colleges of Sanctuary Network

We warmly welcome Riverside College, North West Regional College, Middlesbrough College, Bridgewater and Taunton College, Edinburgh College and The Bedford College Group to the FE Colleges of Sanctuary Network. It is great to have you as part of the network and we look forward to working with you.

College of Sanctuary Awards 

We are working with a number of colleges who are hoping to be recognised as Colleges of Sanctuary this academic year. We advise any interested colleges that the application process should take at least one year. This ensures that the work is meaningful, impactful and embedded.

If your college is interested in applying to become a College of Sanctuary now is the perfect time to get started so that you will be ready to hit the ground running next academic year! 

Click here to find out more about how to become a recognised College of Sanctuary. 

Support our fundraising efforts: This year we are attempting our biggest ever fundraiser from 3-10th December. 

We have secured a match-fund, meaning that for those 7 days only all donations up to £7k will be doubled. As we have such a small window to reach our target, we're hoping to have lots of fantastic content to showcase the impact of the City of Sanctuary movement. We're hoping you might help us!

Filming on your phone is perfect. Please film portrait as this is the best format for social media and please don't edit. You can send them directly to Hannah our Comms Manager on 07518988600.

Deadline: November 22nd, but any time before that would also be great!

Together, we are building a culture of welcome. If you understand the vital importance of Colleges of Sanctuary, please dig deep and help us to spread welcome in colleges during these very challenging times. Click here to donate. Thank you.