Summer of Sanctuary aims to highlight city's refugee role

The Thank You Sheffield event, was described as a "day of film, exhibition, food and discussion to celebrate and acknowledge Sheffield's role in providing sanctuary".

It was the start of the city's Summer of Sanctuary event, which will also include anti-racism soccer matches, storytelling days involving different communities and a concert.

Sheffield Council's cabinet member for independent and healthy living, Steve Ayris, said the three-month Summer of Sanctuary series had something for everyone.

He added: "Communities and groups in Sheffield have put a lot of hard work into supporting the Summer of Sanctuary and I'm sure, will help make our feature a success. I'd like to thank everyone who has done something to mark not only the Summer of Sanctuary and underlined why this city and its residents and communities are so welcoming."

Sheffield Council had the idea for the Summer of Sanctuary events after the city declared itself the UK's first City of Sanctuary for its work with refugees from across the globe.

A council spokesman said: "It is not about encouraging more asylum-seekers to come to Sheffield – most asylum-seekers don't have any choice about where they live.

"But in a City of Sanctuary these new arrivals are treated with understanding and respect, in a way that local people can be proud of.

"Most asylum-seekers come to Sheffield without any knowledge of the city or any contacts with people who live here.

"Local organisations which support the City of Sanctuary movement make a commitment to welcoming these new arrivals and including them their local activities."

Local communities, groups and organisations are being encouraged to put on events to support the Summer of Sanctuary. Funding of up to 1,000 is available and applications can be made to the Council's Small Grants Team.

For an application pack call Sheffield 273 4113 or for more information about how to qualify log on to www.sheffield.gov.uk/

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