Why Support Bristol City of Sanctuary?

City of Sanctuary is a movement to build a culture of hospitality for asylum-seekers and refugees in Bristol. We are working to make Bristol a city that takes pride in the welcome it offers to people in need of safety, and that enables refugees and asylum-seekers to contribute fully to the life of our communities.

A City of Sanctuary is a city in which:

Community

Asylum-seekers and refugees are fully included in the activities and membership of local community groups.

Host communities receive support to enable them to integrate asylum-seekers and refugees.

Conflict resolution and mediation services are available to communities experiencing tension over asylum-seekers and refugees.

The contribution of asylum-seekers and refugees to the city is fully recognised in local media and cultural events.

Asylum-seekers and refugees have a voice in the media and in local decision-making.

People in all communities feel safe from harassment, racism and persecution.

Health

The physical and mental health needs of asylum-seekers and refugees are recognised and supported by health and other services.

Employment

All asylum-seekers and refugees have the opportunity to engage in constructive activity which is appropriate to their skills and experience, whether through volunteering or paid work (for those with work permission).

Access to Services

Asylum-seekers and refugees are enabled to access local services, including essential transport.

Asylum-seekers and refugees have access to adequate and appropriate legal representation and advice services.

Education

Asylum-seekers and refugees have access to free English language tuition.

Skills training and further educational opportunities are available to all.

Children

The needs of asylum-seeker and refugee children are recognised and supported by schools, public services and local communities. eg: Support/transition for new arrivals

Home and Destitution

Work to prevent homelessness and ensure that safe and suitable and affordable accommodation is available to all those in housing need.

Subsistence support is available from a variety of sources to anyone who is threatened with destitution.

Solidarity

Local organisations and communities support efforts to inform public debate and policy on asylum and immigration, in order to realise a fairer and more humane asylum system.

Pledging your Support

If you believe in the importance of helping us to make Bristol a City of Sanctuary for asylum-seekers and refugees, please download and complete the attached pledge form either as an individual pledge or as a group pledge representative of your organisation.

Once you have pledged support, you may also want to display the City of Sanctuary “We Welcome Asylum-Seekers and Refugees” poster (attached below) in your building.

Our new flyer is also attached below if you wish to display this or if you would like to forward this on to someone you feel may also like to pledge their support.