A monthly update of news, events, opportunities, campaigns and jobs from the City of Sanctuary networks.

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Sanctuary Awards

Our Sanctuary Awards programme recognises and celebrates the organisations and institutions who go above and beyond to foster welcome, understanding and opportunity. In the last month we have had the honour of awarding:

Hackney Council is now a Local Authority of Sanctuary

York International Shakespeare Festival is now a Festival of Sanctuary

National Waterfront Museum, Swansea, has been re-accredited as a Museum of Sanctuary

Green Lane Masjid & Community Centre, Birmingham, is now a Mosque of Sanctuary. 

The following are newly awarded or reaccredited Schools of Sanctuary: Wolverhampton Grammar School, Wolverhampton; Our Lady and St Philip Neri Primary School, London; Our Lady and St Kenelm Catholic Primary School, Birmingham

Each one of these awards is assessed by a panel which includes as a minimum, an expert in the field, someone with lived experience of seeking sanctuary and a local member of City of Sanctuary. An award lasts three years when it then must then be re-assesed. Find out more about the awards process here

Campaigns & Actions

Temporary Protection Status for Refugees Enforced
In a dark day for both refugee rights and common sense, the Government announced it would commence issuing temporary protection status for refugees. New asylum applicants will now receive a 30-month protection period if granted. There will be an exemption for unaccompanied children, and the changes will not apply to anyone who already has refugee status, or who applied for asylum before Monday.

Stop the Suspension of Family Reunion
Right now, the government is keeping children who've fled war and persecution apart from their mum or dad. Safe Passage is taking them to court to stop this.

Extending the Refugee Move-On Period to 56 days
When people are granted refugee status, they were previously given just 28 days to move out of their asylum accommodation and find a new home. 28 days isn’t long enough to find somewhere to live. The government piloted a scheme giving people 56 days to move on from their asylum accommodation - this made a huge impact. Join Young Roots and write to your MP asking them to make this change permanent

A Million Acts of Hope
In May 2026, community and faith groups, plus charities big and small, will come together to celebrate and inspire A Million Acts of Hope across Britain. Find out more and get involved

Together March: 28 March
The Together Alliance is an alliance of over 120 civil society organisations united against the far right. They are mobilising and organising across the country to bring a message of hope over fear, prior to holding a major demonstration in London on 28 March. Find out more and get involved

Events, resources and opportunities

We host regular regional online meet-ups that bring together City of Sanctuary groups, partners, Sanctuary Award holders, and organisations currently working toward the award. Check our upcoming events here

Campaigning with Confidence: How charities can lawfully engage in advocacy and political activity
Join us on 12 March for online covering practical guidance to ensure any campaigning City of Sanctuary groups and partners do is firmly within the rules. Register here

Sanctuary Award Info Session
Join us 1 April for a quick fire session to learn about the award process and for us to answer any questions. This is geared towards groups, arts institutions and libraries that are looking to either assess or apply for an award. Register here

Letter Templates for Clinicians to Support People Seeking Asylum
Doctors of the World have developed a set of templates to support clinicians in primary care to respond to common requests and provide letters to people seeking asylum and refugees. These resources aim to reduce pressure on busy workloads while ensuring patients receive the support they need. Find them here

Free workshop: Introduction to Right to Remain Toolkit
Join Right to Remain on 10 March for an online session designed to help community groups and volunteers confidently navigate the Right to Remain Toolkit. You will learn how to empower those going through the asylum system and understand the important difference between providing legal support and legal advice. Register here

• City of Sanctuary UK | Fundraising Trustee | 22 April
• Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary | Communications and Admin Officer | 24 March 
• ASSIST | Caseworker | 30 March
• Right to Remain | Communications Officer | 23 March
• Screen Share | Director of Programmes | Technical Operations Manager | Digital Champions (Glowgow/Dundee) | 9 March
• Friends of Scottish Settlers | Volunteer Coordinator | 16 March
• Ruth Hayman Trust | Trustee | 6 March
• Detention Action | Trustee | 12 March