Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by City of Sanctuary UK

Asylum Matters @asylummatters.bsky.social · 8d

"I wish those who spread hatred could spend just one week in Napier Barracks, cut off from work, isolated from society, uncertain of the future. Only then would they understand what it feels like."
www.bigissue.com/opinion/asyl...

I wish people like Tommy Robinson could see what life is really like for asylum seekers

Refugees and asylum seekers are not a burden – they are people with skills, experiences and dreams with the potential to help communities.

www.bigissue.com

6 6

City of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · 5d

The Climate & Migration Film Festival is coming!

📅 21–30 Nov
📍Across the UK + online

Bringing together stories of climate, displacement, resilience & hope - coinciding with #COP30 & #ClimateAndMigrantJusticeDay

Watch or host a free screening: shorturl.at/IjFYS

1

City of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · 6d

Theatres of Sanctuary unite!⚡

Art bridges divides and tells the stories we all urgently need to hear - that's why the Theatre of Sanctuary network is so important.

We loved meeting 15 Theatres of Sanctuary yesterday - each doing groundbreaking work.

Work in the arts? 👉 arts.cityofsanctuary.org

3 5

Reposted by City of Sanctuary UK

newry.ie @newry.ie · 29d

Council Agree to Join City of Sanctuary Network #Newry https://www.newry.ie/articles/news/council-agree-to-join-city-of-sanctuary-network

1 2 2

City of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · 7d

Congratulations - such an incredibly well deserved achievement!

1

Reposted by City of Sanctuary UK

D6: Culture in Transit @d6culture.bsky.social · 7d

🧡 Proud to be recognised as a Visual Arts Organisation of Sanctuary🧡

Our commitment to supporting artists seeking sanctuary is long established and as a recipient of the award we join with @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social and others in a shared vision of welcome and solidarity.

www.d6culture.org

1 1 1

City of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · 7d

The government must end for-profit asylum accommodation.

While people seeking asylum live in terrible conditions & communities lack investment in social housing, millions in public funds that could provide homes for all are taken as profit by a few private companies.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Asylum hotel provider makes £180m profit despite claims of inedible food and rationed loo paper

Asylum seekers and charities tell BBC of

www.bbc.co.uk

1 3

City of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · 8d

Too early for Christmas jumpers? Never 👀

Meet our two limited-edition designs — SOLIDARITY HAS SNOW BORDERS and HO HO HOpe — available on jumpers, hoodies and tote bags.

🎁https://everpress.com/solidarity-has-snow-borders
🎁https://everpress.com/hohohope

1 1

City of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · 8d

@swanseauni.bsky.social have just achieved the University of Sanctuary award due to the incredible work they've done to build welcome, solidarity & opportunity for people rebuilding their lives.

nation.cymru/news/welsh-u...

Welsh university awarded Sanctuary status for work with refugees

A Welsh university has been awarded University of Sanctuary status for the welcome and support it offers to people displaced from their homes by conflict. The award highlights Swansea University’s ini...

nation.cymru

2

City of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · 8d

Sanctuary scholarships change lives.

Ana, who received a Sanctuary Scholarship at Swansea University, says: “The Sanctuary Scholarship is a blessing that has made me feel truly welcomed by this country and has changed the lives of myself, my husband and my two young children forever.
1/2

1 1 3

City of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · 13d

Welcome to City of Sanctuary! 💫

We bring communities together to build a society where everyone belongs and everyone matters.

At a time of rising hostility, we create safe spaces, challenge division and champion human dignity.

We are a movement of welcome - and we can’t wait for you to join us.

1 5 10

City of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · 13d

Did you know that facts rarely change minds?

But there are tools we can all use to reach people who think differently to us.

What this goose 🐦 Then download our guide.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Omc3...

why facts dont change minds (goose explains)

YouTube video by Honkology

www.youtube.com

City of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · 13d

We are not talking about refugee rights enough.

Download our free courageous conversation guide today and learn how to:

🫵Affectively respond to misinformation
🫵Share stories which change perspectives
🫵Bridge divides & make connections

Get going now: cityofsanctuary.org/2025/03/25/2...

Start Having Courageous Conversations about Refugee Rights - City of Sanctuary UK

We are not talking about refugee rights enough. Maybe we feel overwhelmed. Maybe we fear how people will respond. But if we’re to build a kinder and fairer world, then we need to get talking. It’s bee...

cityofsanctuary.org

1 1

City of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · 14d

The University of Liverpool is now an awarded University of Sanctuary, reflecting its efforts to make the institution a place of safety, solidarity and empowerment for people seeking sanctuary 👏👏👏
news.liverpool.ac.uk/2025/09/29/u...

University awarded ‘Sanctuary’ status at launch event for new Refugee Hub - University of Liverpool News

University awarded ‘Sanctuary’ status at launch event for new Refugee Hub

news.liverpool.ac.uk

2 7

City of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · 15d

Colchester City Council is now a Council of Sanctuary - this is official recognition of their commitment to welcoming, supporting and including all communities.
www.colchester.gov.uk/info/cbc-art...

Colchester awarded City of Sanctuary status

The award recognises the council’s commitment to fostering a culture of welcome, inclusion, and integration support for people seeking sanctuary

www.colchester.gov.uk

3

Reposted by City of Sanctuary UK

Restore @restoreuk.bsky.social · 16d

Could you welcome a refugee, through Restore's one-to-one befriending project?
Find out more at Restore's next training day on Saturday 4 October.
www.restore-uk.org/news/2668/

@birmctogether.bsky.social @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social

1 1

City of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · 20d

Flags from every nation have been strung up across the middle of Lakenham Primary School in an effort to show that "love and kindness are stronger than fear or hate".
www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/2548708...

School with pupils who speak 47 languages addresses flagger concerns

Lakenham Primary School has addressed concerns from children and staff regarding flags being flown and crossings being painted across Norwich.

www.eveningnews24.co.uk

1 7

City of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · 21d

We love this😍
Chemists at @officialuom.bsky.social - a Uni of Sanctuary - have run workshops for refugee children, using science to spark curiosity & rebuild confidence for those who have missed out on formal schooling due to displacement & conflict.
www.manchester.ac.uk/about/news/u...

1 5

Reposted by City of Sanctuary UK

Asylum Matters @asylummatters.bsky.social · 21d

"I am not a stranger; I’m part of the UK’s everyday story.”
Solidarity with anyone feeling afraid after Reform's appalling policy announcement yesterday. Together we must fight this tide of anti-migrant hatred. We won't let our communities be torn apart.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...

‘Britain is my home – but Farage’s new plan has me fearing for my future’

As Nigel Farage vows to ditch indefinite leave to remain for migrants, those who have made a life in the UK share their fears about the plan

www.independent.co.uk

1 5

City of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · 21d

“In Ukrainian we say, ‘В єдності – сила’ – in unity there is strength."

Division and misinformation threaten Wales’ vision of a Nation of Sanctuary. But people seeking refuge enrich our councils, schools, businesses, and culture. Sanctuary is Wales’ true strength.
nation.cymru/news/ukraini...

Ukrainian refugees defend Nation of Sanctuary

Martin Shipton The community that has benefitted most from Wales’ Nation of Sanctuary project has defended it against right wing politicians who have been spreading misinformation about it. Reform UK ...

nation.cymru

5 6

City of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · Sep 10

Weston Super Mare's college has started its journey to becoming a College of Sanctuary – this means they’re committing to being a welcoming, inclusive place for people seeking sanctuary. Hats off!
www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/news/2544123...

Weston College to welcome asylum seekers as ‘College of Sanctuary'

Weston College has officially signed the College of Sanctuary Pledge with the aim of making it a place of “welcome, understanding and opportunity…

www.thewestonmercury.co.uk

4

City of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · Sep 8

We are so proud to work with the orgs in the heart of our communities to ensure that everyone is met with welcome, understanding & opportunity.

If you know the power of a warm welcome, please support our work: checkout.justgiving.com/c/2921739

Thank you.

Donate to an amazing cause today.

Anything you can give will make a huge difference!

checkout.justgiving.com

City of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · Sep 8

Everyone deserves a safe birth. Yet refugee and migrant parents face significantly worse outcomes - higher maternal mortality, increased mental health challenges, more preterm births, and greater risk of congenital anomalies. That's why this award matters so much.

3/4

1 1

City of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · Sep 8

The Trust is the third in the UK to receive the Maternity accreditation, which recognises their commitment to ensuring everyone receives respectful and compassionate care.

maternity.cityofsanctuary.org/2025/08/26/u...
2/4

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust awarded Maternity Service of Sanctuary accreditation - Maternity Stream of Sanctuary

The Maternity Department at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust are the latest NHS organisation to achieve Maternity Service of Sanctuary accreditation. This award recognis...

maternity.cityofsanctuary.org

1

City of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · Sep 8

This maternity team have just done something very special 😍

The Maternity Department at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust have just been awarded a Service of Sanctuary accreditation for going above and beyond to support refugee and asylum seeking patients.

1/4

1 1 6