City of Sanctuary UK is a small refugee-sector charity that works to build a movement of welcome in the UK, standing in solidarity with people seeking sanctuary*. Their vision is to see a UK where people seeking sanctuary feel safe and a sense of belonging; are able to thrive and succeed; and where their voices are centred and heard. (*people seeking sanctuary refers to those who have been forced to flee their homes and have crossed international borders to seek safety.)
The Schools of Sanctuary programme aims to achieve this by:
1. working with schools to raise awareness of the experiences of people seeking sanctuary and challenge misconceptions with learners, staff, governors, parent/carers and wider communities to build empathy;
2. helping schools to build up staff expertise in supporting new arrivals and adopt effective practice and provision to ensure children seeking sanctuary feel safe, a sense of belonging and are able to thrive in school;
3. and encouraging schools to connect and collaborate with local charities, organisations and institutions, and community groups to grow and strengthen our shared movement of welcome and solidarity with people seeking safety.
St Michael's achieved the Schools of Sanctuary Award in December 2019 and we are now renewing our accreditation. Shortly, we will be posting further information about our journey and how we aim to support those seeking sanctuary in the UK, and in particular those seeking sanctuary in Wolverhampton.