The Royal Borough of Greenwich has been re-accredited as a Borough of Sanctuary for a further four years, recognising the borough’s continued commitment to welcoming and supporting people seeking sanctuary.
The re-accreditation was celebrated at a meeting of Full Council, where partners and people with lived experience of seeking sanctuary joined councillors to mark the achievement.
Greenwich was first awarded Borough of Sanctuary status in July 2023. Since then, the council has continued to work alongside people with lived experience, voluntary and community organisations, faith groups and other partners to support people seeking sanctuary in Greenwich and help them settle into their new lives.
A Borough of Sanctuary is a local authority that is working to ensure that people seeking sanctuary have a welcoming place of safety and are supported to build connections and become part of the communities around them.
Since 2023, Greenwich has welcomed people displaced by conflicts around the world, including families from Syria and Afghanistan, and has provided safety and stability to nearly 1,400 people fleeing the war in Ukraine through the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
The council has also developed dedicated support for people with No Recourse to Public Funds, helped people access accommodation and employment, and worked with partners to support people with education, English language learning, healthcare and other essential services.
A central part of the work has been listening to people with lived experience and making sure their voices help shape the services and support available.
Over the last few years, the council has significantly increased its direct engagement with people with lived experience. Around 50 people from 14 different nations took part in workshops to share their experiences and help shape the council’s approach to supporting people seeking sanctuary.
Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Communities said:
“I am delighted that Greenwich has been re-accredited as a Borough of Sanctuary for another four years. This recognises the incredible work taking place across our borough, with the council working alongside our voluntary and community sector partners in the Borough of Sanctuary Partnership and, most importantly, people with lived experience of seeking sanctuary.
“Greenwich is a place you belong, whatever your background, beliefs or story, and we are proud of the contribution that people seeking sanctuary make to our communities. We want everyone who comes here to feel welcomed, supported and able to build a new life.
“Being a Borough of Sanctuary is a promise we renew every day, and we all have an active role to play in making that promise a reality. At a time when forces are seeking to divide our communities, we must stand together, challenge hate and reject negative narratives about people seeking sanctuary. I encourage everyone to sign the Borough of Sanctuary pledge and play their part in making Greenwich a borough that creates belonging and wellbeing for everyone.
“I want to thank everyone who has played a part in making Greenwich a Borough of Sanctuary. We will continue to listen to people with lived experience and work with our partners to ensure Greenwich remains a place where everyone can thrive.”
Maggie Filipova-Rivers, Programme Manager for local government at City of Sanctuary UK, said:
“The Royal Borough of Greenwich has shown that being a Borough of Sanctuary is about much more than offering a warm welcome, it is about building services and communities that work better for everyone. From improving access to housing, health, English language learning and employment, to strengthening community connections and support for children and families, the council has embedded sanctuary across an impressive range of its work.
“What particularly stands out is the way people who have themselves sought sanctuary are helping to shape this work, alongside local communities and organisations. This is not only improving support for refugees and people seeking asylum; it is helping Greenwich better understand its residents, remove barriers to services and build a stronger sense of belonging and connection across the borough demonstrating how becoming a place of sanctuary can benefit the whole community.”
Felicia, a resident who has lived experience of seeking sanctuary and has been involved in Greenwich’s Borough of Sanctuary work, said:
“Being welcomed makes you feel at home. You feel that you belong, that you’re part of the community and that your voice matters. You feel safe, loved and cared for, and the people around you can become like family. When you’ve come from another country, having that sense of belonging and knowing that people genuinely care about you means so much.
“Living in a Borough of Sanctuary like Greenwich gives you peace of mind and the freedom to be yourself. When people welcome and support you, it also gives you the strength to support others. It means knowing that you’re not just living in a different country, but that you’re a valued part of the community and somewhere you can truly call home.”
Greenwich’s Borough of Sanctuary work brings together council services, voluntary and community organisations, faith groups, schools, health partners and local communities.
The council has also worked directly with people with lived experience through workshops, events and community activities, helping to build connections and ensure that their experiences inform how services are developed.
The re-accreditation recognises the progress made over the past four years and the continued commitment across Greenwich to creating belonging, welcoming people seeking sanctuary, challenging misconceptions, reducing isolation and building stronger, more connected communities.
Find out more about support for refugees, migrants and asylum seekers.
Sign the Borough of Sanctuary pledge.