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City of Sanctuary UK News

 

The Cotton Queens group meet weekly on Saturday at Slaterfield Community Centre at 10am – 12pm. The group are active local historians and writers who use local archives to celebrate Bolton’s local history. Supported by Bolton at Home, The University of Bolton and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Cotton Queens are currently creating a short film based on their own work: A Dandelion is still a Flower and Other Stories.

If you are interested in taking part please email us at [email protected]
Dear friends,

Any day now we will have a new Prime Minister – they need to know that we the people oppose hostile and divisive policies. The next Together With Refugees day of action is on 23 September and will see groups across the UK calling for the cruel Rwanda plan to be scrapped. We hope to see as many of you as possible getting involved.

We are excited about seeing many of you at our conference on 21st September, the theme is Inspiring Resilience. After so many hurdles and tragedies over the last few years – this day is about celebrating what gives us all resilience and hope to keep fighting for a fairer and kinder UK.

Please continue to share updates on your work and good news stories so we can celebrate your achievements with the wider network. Stay in touch by emailing [email protected]

Please help spread the word, share this newsletter round-up with your friends, supporters and networks.
News from around our networks
London welcomes refugees. We are now working with 17 out of 32 London boroughs. That means over half of all London boroughs have started the journey to create a culture of welcome, inclusion and empowerment for people seeking sanctuary in their communities. Read more here.
Fill the Skies With Hope. The next Together With Refugees day of action is on Friday 23rd September. Find out more here. This is all about coming together to call on the new Prime Minister to scrap the cruel Rwanda scheme. Join groups from across the country in making orange paper planes containing messages of hope and solidarity.
A reminder to everyone attending the City of Sanctuary Conference & AGM on 21 September – snap up your Sanctuary t-shirts and bags beforehand. Look the part, show solidarity and help build this movement of welcome. There won’t be an opportunity to buy on the day, so order online now!
Can you help? We want as many of our ambassadors and experts by experience board members to attend our conference –  this is a crucial time for our networks to come together, share expertise, build connections and get a much needed boost! Please chip in to help cover the costs of travel and accomodation so more people can come. Thank you!
A huge congratulations and welcome to Windmill Community Gardens who are our newest Garden of Sanctuary and to the University of Glasgow, our newest University of Sanctuary! Journeys Festival, the first ever festival of Sanctuary, has been re-awarded and we are delighted that Luton Borough Council have joined our Local Authority network.

Each one of these awards is assessed by a panel which includes as a minimum, a local member of City of Sanctuary, someone with lived experience of seeking sanctuary and an expert in the field. An award lasts three years when it must then be re-assesed. Find out more about the awards process here.
Campaigns and actions
The Rwanda scheme
The next Together With Refugees day of action is on Friday 23rd September – together we will call on the new PM to stop the cruel scheme. Find out more here.Fight the Nationality and Borders Bill
Refugee Action have put together an MP letter calling for the bill to be repealed. Get involved here.Linton-on-Ouse accommodation centre plan is scrapped!
The plan to warehouse 1500 people a vast accommodation centre in the tiny rural village has been scrapped. Click here to hear from Nicola, the Chair of Ripon City of Sanctuary, on how they campaigned against this plan and what other groups can learn from this win.Afghan families must be reunited
Join Safe Passage and demand the next PM fixes existing schemes and increases the number of places available so Afghans fleeing the Taliban can reach safety in the UK and reunite with their loved ones. Sign here.
Events, resources and opportunities
University of Sanctuary Network Meeting: North of England & Yorkshire
On 13 September we are holding a launch meeting for a network of universities in the North of England and Yorkshire that want to make their university more welcoming for students seeking sanctuary, collaborate and share best practice in higher education. Register your place now.

City of Sanctuary network: Funding and Operational Update
We encourage all City of Sanctuary regional groups to attend this meeting with City of Sanctuary UK management team. Held on 14 September, this informal meeting is to discuss important funding and operation updates. Register your place now.

An introduction to City of Sanctuary
Join us on 26 September for this introduction to the City of Sanctuary networks. This session is perfect for groups, organisations or individuals new to the networks who wants to know more and get involved. This session is also perfect for new team members in existing groups or awarded organisations who need to get up to speed. Register now.

An Introduction to Colleges of Sanctuary
On 3 October we will give an overview of the Further Education College of Sanctuary Stream, outlining the process, criteria and drawing on examples from recently awarded colleges. All FE colleges which are interested in going through the process in the new academic year are encouraged to attend. Register now.

An Introduction to Schools of Sanctuary
Join us on 11 October for an overview of the Schools of Sanctuary award, outlining the process, criteria and drawing on examples from recently awarded schools. A perfect starting point for schools, nurseries and sixth forms that are interested in going through the process in the new academic year. Register now.

Wanted: Insights into private rental market for people from migrant community background
Migrants Organise and Generation Rent are seeking the views of private renters from migrant community backgrounds. They want to hear about the challenges you face, in temporary accommodation and in private renting. Learn more and give insights here.

A psychological toolkit for children affected by displacement
Bear Us in Mind has been created to support and provide psychological tools for children who may be experiencing trauma or grief, especially due to displacement and/or bereavement. Find it here.

Six steps to improve access to UK higher education for displaced students
People who have fled war and persecution often face barriers to continuing their studies in the UK. Here are six ways universities can help to improve access.

Conversation Over Borders: English tutor volunteer callout
Apply to volunteer to tutor English to people in the asylum system. You do not need to be a trained teacher to apply, they provide teaching support and resources for volunteers. Find oiut more and apply here.

The Book of Refugees: Callout for stories
The book of refugees is a multilingual record of memories, dreams and aspirations of refugees in the UK compiled by the University of York. The project leaders are calling for contributions from refugees anywhere in the UK. Contributions may be named or remain anonymous. Find out more here.

Maternity services in the UK: your rights and entitlements
Refugee Women Connect have put together a handy video explaining how people in the asylum system can better navigate UK maternity services. Watch it here.

New IRC Programming
Apply to join one of the five free brand-new programmes International Rescue Committee is offering to refugees living in South East England. Participating in the programmes is free. They are currently offering 5 programmes; Cultural Orientation, Peer mentorship, Community interpreter, Leadership groups and job readiness training. Apply here.

Free safeguarding training for hosts
Taye Training are offering free and accessible safeguarding support to hosts, families and guests involved in the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Find the online course here.

End Hotel Detention Rally: Glasgow
Migrants Organising for Rights and Empowerment invite all to their End Hotel Detention Solidarity Cycle from Glasgow to Greenock on the 10 September, leaving the Kinning Park Complex at 8:30. Find out more here.
Job opportunities