Wandsworth celebrates Refugee Week as a proud Borough of Sanctuary

This year, Wandsworth is entering its first Refugee Week as a proud Borough of Sanctuary.

Refugee Week (June 17 – 23) celebrates the contribution of people affected by forced migration. This year’s theme is ‘Our Home’ and events are being held around the borough.

Wandsworth has a history of welcoming refugees and since the start of the war in Ukraine has found homes for more than 1,000 Ukrainian refugees – the second highest amount in London.

Wandsworth was awarded Borough of Sanctuary status last month by City of Sanctuary UK in recognition of its partnership working with the voluntary and community sector and residents with lived-experience of seeking sanctuary.

The council has pledged to deliver the Wandsworth Sanctuary Strategy over the next three years to welcome and support sanctuary seekers living in the borough.

This includes a £200,000 Sanctuary Community Fund to provide grants of up to £10,000 to voluntary and community sector organisations for support with community integration and expanding organisational capacity.

Tooting-based Wandsworth Welcomes Refugees said: “This week draws attention to the reasons people have been forced to leave their own countries to seek refuge elsewhere. It encourages understanding of the talent and expertise people bring with them to the UK.

“Refugee organisations hold a range of events in their local areas with opportunities for conversations to grow insight and empathy to the many pressures that force people to flee. We encourage everyone to find out how they could help refugees in Wandsworth.”

Find out how Wandsworth supports refugees here.

The council will be posting information about events and support throughout the week on its X account.
 
Residents wanting to offer help to Sanctuary Seekers in the borough can also contact the Wandsworth Care Alliance to learn about volunteering opportunities.