Colchester City of Sanctuary

Colchester City of Sanctuary

Colchester City Council has been instrumental in providing services and support for refugees under a variety of Home Office schemes. Most recently the Council gave unanimous support to those brought to the UK under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy and the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Working with Essex County Council, public and voluntary sector partners, especially Essex Integration and Refugee, Asylum seeker and Migrant Agency, we are proud of our achievement in welcoming families to Colchester.

City of Sanctuary

The City of Sanctuary Network is a UK-wide movement that acknowledges places that “go above and beyond to welcome people” who are seeking refuge.

To strengthen our commitment to those who face the ordeal of being separated from their families and home we pledge to seek City of Sanctuary status, so we are recognised as a safe haven for people forced to flee their homes.

The council initially became a non-awarded member by signing up to the network’s vision and values in 2016 but is now working towards joining the Network as an awarded member.

The Council will be going through an appraisal process where our commitment to the Network’s cause is assessed. This will include demonstrating that the Council has embedded the concept of welcome and inclusion at all levels of the organisation. Find further information about the City of Sanctuary principles.