Theatre Porto (formerly Action Transport Theatre) in Ellesmere Port has been producing children and young people’s productions for over 35yrs, now from their venue in Whitby Park which itself has just won two awards from the Royal Town Planning Institute! We were delighted to receive their application for Sanctuary Status in which they showed that inclusivity and welcome for those with a sanctuary background is embedded in their ethos.

In the application there was evidence of productions helping to explain the experience of having to seek sanctuary and also evidence of using work involving those with lived experience. Not all work however is limited to the theatre, outreach activities involve schools, community groups and show contact with refugee support services.

Workshops, a ‘Saturday Family Hangout’ and a new venture aimed specifically at those who have experienced displacement, ‘Home Cooked with Love’ help create a friendly, welcoming environment. From the moment we entered the building we could feel the genuine welcome offered – so needed at this time of world uncertainty and unrest.

This Refugee Week we ere delighted to present the staff with the ‘Theatre of Sanctuary Award’. We did this during a ‘Home Cooked with Love’ event where we were also delighted to participate in the delicious food and hear performances by young people, including a poem they had written and confidently performed in three different languages. It was a beautiful atmosphere and a well- deserved award.

Also during Refugee Week the theatre hosted ‘Everyones Welcome’ an exhibition exploring the experiences of sanctuary seekers through writing and art produced jointly by six local schools and the Theatre Porto Community. The artwork featured in this post comes from the exhibition which perfectly reflects the theme of this years Refugee Week ‘Community Superpower’ showing how creativity can harness the power of community to foster understanding and empathy to help make everyone feel welcome.

Congratulations Theatre Porto!