Borough of Sanctuary fund now open

The fund helps community and voluntary groups support refugees and asylum seekers to build new lives in our borough. We would particularly welcome projects which include events during June’s Refugee Week – the theme this year is Community as a Superpower.

Wandsworth was officially awarded Borough of Sanctuary status last year by City of Sanctuary UK in recognition of our work. We have built strong partnerships with local groups who helped draw up, and will help deliver, the Wandsworth Sanctuary Strategy.

Wandsworth has a history of welcoming refugees and since the start of the war in Ukraine has found homes for around 1,200 Ukrainian refugees – one of the highest figures in London.

The Borough of Sanctuary Fund provides grants of up to £10,000 to voluntary and community sector organisations to launch a new project or develop and expand an existing one.

Recipients of the last round of funding included The Home Community Café for a project offering women volunteering sessions to develop experience in hospitality, catering and management skills, as well as wellbeing sessions. The project has been running since September.

Project Manager Meg Fry said: “Strong bonds have been made and we’ve been able to build trust. The project is increasing our participants’ confidence, use of spoken English, learning of new skills and fostering connection and relationships. As a team, it has brought so much to us already!”

Deputy Council Leader Kemi Akinola said: “At a time when the world is looking more uncertain than ever, we are proud of our status as a Borough of Sanctuary.

“Our voluntary and community sector is vital in helping us support refugees and asylum seekers, and the Fund is intended to enable that work to continue and develop. By working together we can create a borough we are all proud to call home.”

Find out more about the fund.

Book your place on a Meet the Funder event on 21 March or 27 March.