Chester city of Sanctuary Group
Our vision
“We hold the vision that the UK will be a welcoming place of safety for all and proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution.” (City of Sanctuary UK 2017)
Our commitments
The City of Sanctuary group in Chester is part of a UK wide, grassroots movement working towards achieving this overall vision. We are committed to:
- Promoting campaigns aimed at improving the experience of sanctuary seekers
- Contributing to opportunities for friendship and solidarity between local people and those seeking sanctuary.
- Awareness raising for those wanting to understand asylum and refugee issues
- Acting as a link between local groups who support sanctuary seekers
- Supporting organisations who wish to achieve ‘Place of Sanctuary’ status in recognition of their positive response to sanctuary seekers.
- Co-ordination and organisation of events during Refugee Week.
Social Media
https://www.facebook.com/chestercityofsanctuary
https://twitter.com/chestercityofs1
https://www.instagram.com/chestercityofsanctuary/
Latest News
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Spread the love!
Sometimes we can feel that our individual actions can do little but, as they say, 'from little acorns, oak trees grow'. Voices of compassion and social justice need to be heard and together they can amplify their message - we…
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Thankyou Chester International School
The Chester International School invited us to their 'International Culture Day' - and what a celebration it was! Dress and food - lots of delicious food - from many cultures around the world and a great atmosphere. Our display had…
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Have you seen our Christmas Tree?
This year we are taking part in Chester Cathedral's annual Christmas Tree Festival. The theme this year is sustainability.
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Chester Cathedral becomes a Cathedral of Sanctuary!
Sheila Little, Lord Mayor of Chester; Mike Johnson, Chairman of Chester City of Sanctuary Group; Canon Jane Brooks Vice Dean of Chester Cathedral and Dr Inderjit Bhopal of Churches Together and co-founder of the City of Sanctuary
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Our banners go touring!
Following our Refugee Week activities in 2022 and 2023, we have compiled banners from some of the pieces made. These have already been displayed at the 'Plum' on Garden Lane and at Chester Cathedral.
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Deadline for 2024 Chester University’s Sanctuary Award
Chester University offers full tuition fee waiver and a support package for essential study costs to two students annually. This is for those seeking sanctuary with preference given to those living within easy commuting distance to the university - to…
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Congratulations Cheshire West and Chester Libraries!
Congratulations to Cheshire West and Cheshire Libraries who today (24/8/23) received a 'Library of Sanctuary Award'.
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Postcard of Welcome Campaign
'Cartoons not Cruelty' is a campaign to send postcards of welcome to children arriving in the UK last year seeking sanctuary.
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Ukrainian Independence Day
There will be an opportunity to remember and hope for peace in Ukraine on Ukrainian Independence Day at the Uniting Church, Garden Lane in Chester. Full details below:
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A look back at Refugee Week
Refugee Week is over for this year. Many thanks to all those who came to see our event 'Compassion Counts', based on the theme of the week for this year. For those who couldn't come, here is a brief review…
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The Other Side of Hope – First Magazine of Sanctuary
'The Other Side of Hope is a UK based publication, mostly written and entirely edited by people who have migrated, either forced migration or for other reasons. It 'exist(s) to serve and celebrate the refugee and immigrant communities worldwide' by…
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Community BBQ for Refugee Week
The Crossroads Community Hub in Newton are holding a community BBQ and, for Refugee Week, linking with the 'Hospitality not Hostility' Campaign initiated by 'Together with Refugees'.