Newham Borough Sanctuary
We are pleased to announce that Newham have begun the journey to become a Borough of Sanctuary, through the national City of Sanctuary charity.
We are proud of the diversity within our borough and Newham’s history of welcoming people fleeing conflict and persecution in their home countries.
Newham Council strives to create a safe environment for everyone living in the borough, and we have been working hard with our partners to support refugees and people seeking asylum.
This supports our vision for a Fairer Newham where everyone has the opportunity to reach their potential and thrive.
To show our dedication to our migrant communities, we have committed to become a Borough of Sanctuary, building on the support we’ve given so far, which includes:
- Hosting people arriving via the Homes For Ukraine visa scheme escaping the war in Ukraine
- Providing wraparound support to people seeking asylum including food, clothing, safeguarding, and finance
- Resettling refugee families through the UK Resettlement and Afghan Resettlement pledge
- Supporting people/groups each week through our Welcome Newham one stop shops
- Supporting unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking children
- Funding organisations to deliver projects targeted at supporting adult and children who are seeking asylum and/or refugees
- Raising health and wellbeing issues to the Home Office and challenged Central Government policy
What is a Borough of Sanctuary?
Newham Council, in coalition with statutory and community partners and people with lived experience, is committed to creating a culture and practice of welcome for all seeking sanctuary in the borough.
Through City of Sanctuary, it is possible to gain a ‘Borough of Sanctuary’ award. City of Sanctuary works with organisations to encourage inclusivity, solidarity, and compassion for people from a forced displacement background.
To become a Borough of Sanctuary we will commit to and demonstrate the City of Sanctuary’s Values:
- Inclusive - We welcome and respect people from all backgrounds, place the highest value on diversity and are committed to equality.
- Openness - We are committed to a culture of working collaboratively across the City of Sanctuary networks and in partnership with others.
- Participation - We work with people seeking sanctuary and value and recognise the contribution of all. We aspire to ensure people seeking sanctuary are involved in all decision making at all levels and are supported to become leaders in the organisation, networks, and the wider movement.
- Inspire - We work with enthusiasm and positivity and are determined to surpass what has already been achieved to welcome refugees and people seeking sanctuary. We act as a catalyst for change by being open to new and innovative ideas and through sharing knowledge gained with others and working in partnership.
- Integrity - We aspire to high standards of honesty and behaviour, and always to act in the interests of people seeking sanctuary.
We believe our work strongly displays these values already but want to go above and beyond what is required.