Brighton & Hove City Council has recently been awarded the ‘Council of Sanctuary’ status in recognition of our commitment to welcoming and supporting newcomers in the city and residents who are seeking sanctuary.
Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet member for Communities, Equalities, Public Health and Adult Social Care, received the award at a celebration event for Refugee Day from representatives of the local City of Sanctuary group, Sanctuary on Sea.
The ceremony took place in Jubilee Library on Saturday 20 June and was followed by a joyful programme of live music from Afghanistan, Kurdistan, Senegal, the Levant and Ukraine.
To achieve the Council of Sanctuary accreditation, we submitted a 3-year action plan, committing to deliver a programme of work that will further embed a culture of welcome across the council and the wider city. This includes providing grant funding to support local charities and community groups.
This award builds on the outstanding work already undertaken by our libraries. In 2019, Jubilee Library became only the second library in the country to be awarded Library of Sanctuary status.
In 2024, this commitment was expanded, with the entire library service being accredited as a Library Service of Sanctuary. This recognises all our libraries as safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces for people seeking sanctuary, including those fleeing violence or persecution.
Over the past decade, the city has participated in several government programmes to welcome people seeking safety from conflict and instability in their home countries, including Syria, Ukraine, and Afghanistan. We have also welcomed individuals from Hong Kong facing increasing risks due to political changes.
In addition, the city provides support to people awaiting decisions on their asylum applications.
Our support extends to children and young people who arrive in the UK unaccompanied, helping to provide stability, safety, and opportunities to begin recovering from the trauma of their experiences and journeys.
This award has been made possible through sustained collaboration with partner organisations, many of which have also been accredited through the national City of Sanctuary scheme, as well as the invaluable work of our diverse network of local charities and community groups who tirelessly support and welcome people seeking sanctuary.
Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet member for Communities, Equalities, Public Health and Adult Social Care, said: “It's been a real privilege to receive the Council of Sanctuary award on behalf of Brighton & Hove.
“I want to say thank you to the many organisations, residents and volunteers who've made this award possible and who give so much time and energy to helping refugees feel welcome in our city.
“This award reflects a commitment across the council and across the city for making Brighton & Hove an inclusive and welcoming place for all.”
An exciting week of events is planned across the city to celebrate this year's Refugee Week, starting Monday 15 June.
Coinciding with Refugee Week, Brighton & Hove libraries have become only the second library service in the country to be awarded ‘Library of Sanctuary’ status.