Borough of Sanctuary
Wandsworth prides itself in being an open and welcoming place for all, and is dedicated to supporting everyone who wishes to make Wandsworth their home.
Refugee resettlement and support
In recent years we have supported families fleeing violence and persecution in Syria and Afghanistan under the government’s resettlement programmes, and we are supporting refugees from the conflict in Ukraine.
Read an overview of the help we are providing to refugees.
We offer detailed information and support for Ukrainian nationals arriving through the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, to help them settle in Wandsworth and later secure their own accommodation. We also provide guidance to residents and organisations who are looking to offer help.
Refugee Week small grants scheme
As part of our commitment to being a Borough of Sanctuary, we are offering small grants to support voluntary and community organisations in delivering activities and events for Refugee Week.
Refugee Week is a UK wide celebration recognising the contributions and resilience of those seeking sanctuary. These small grants aim to support events in Richmond that celebrate the contributions of sanctuary seekers, in line with this year's theme “Community as a superpower”.
How to apply
Read the small grants guidance notes for information on who can apply and what we fund.
Complete the small grants application form.
Submit the application form to boroughofsanctuary@wandsworth.gov.uk.
How funding is awarded
The fund will be awarded on a rolling, first come, first served basis, so we strongly encourage early applications. The scheme will close once all funds are allocated.
For more information on what we might fund, please contact boroughofsanctuary@wandsworth.gov.uk.
Borough of Sanctuary Community Fund
We recognise the vital role played by the voluntary and community sector in helping to welcome those seeking to build new lives in Wandsworth. The Borough of Sanctuary Community Fund gives grants of up to £10,000 to groups working with refugees and asylum seekers.
Support for those with no recourse to public funds
We may be able to support people who are excluded from claiming public funds due to their immigration status. Find out who is eligible for NRPF support, and how to apply.
Wandsworth Migration Forum
The Wandsworth Migration Forum is fundamental in ensuring that the voice of the community, including people with lived experience, is heard. It meets quarterly and is attended by Wandsworth Councillors and representatives from Wandsworth’s voluntary and community sector organisations, with a secretariat comprised of Wandsworth Council’s Refugee Services team. It is an opportunity for collaborative work as well as for sharing knowledge and ideas.
Get involved
The work of the Wandsworth Migration Forum is guided by the Wandsworth Migration Board. We are currently looking for Wandsworth residents with lived experience of forced migration to join the board and to share their opinions, provide insight and feedback. Find out more about how to apply to join the Wandsworth Migration Board.
Wandsworth Sanctuary Strategy
As part of our commitment as a Borough of Sanctuary we have developed a strategy which sets out a three-year plan for how we will welcome and support all sanctuary seekers.
Find out more about the Wandsworth Sanctuary Strategy.
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