The story of Bristol City of Sanctuary began in 2008 when a Bristol City Council official brought the idea to a Refugee Week Steering Committee meeting, inspired by Sheffield’s achievement of City of Sanctuary status.
With leadership from Rev Cassandra Howes, former University of West of England Multifaith Chaplaincy, and support from June Borrough, Founder and Director of the Pierian Centre, an initial public meeting took place at the Centre on October 23rd, 2008 with over 50 attendees.
Following that meeting, a group of about 20 committed people, including people from Refugee backgrounds, began to meet and talk about how to take things forward. With funding from the Bristol Legacy Commission, Forward Maisokwadzo was recruited as the first official staff member and Bristol City of Sanctuary was officially launched on Wednesday, 22 June 2011 at Council House and Bristol Cathedral.
On Tuesday 16th November, Bristol City Council voted to give their support to the City of Sanctuary movement in Bristol and agreed to adopt the following statement:
“This Council recognises the contribution of asylum seekers and refugees to the City of Bristol and is committed to welcoming and including them in our activities. The Council also recognises that a comprehensive, co-ordinated and forward-looking approach is needed if City of Sanctuary, the welfare of people moving in to the city, and community cohesion between new and existing communities are to be supported effectively. The Council endorses Bristol’s status as a City of Sanctuary and will work to implement the City of Sanctuary pledges through its Community Cohesion Strategy 2010-13.”
Having already received pledges of support from over 100 local businesses, faith groups, charities and community initiatives, this statement was the last of the four criteria required for Bristol to become a recognised City of Sanctuary. This may not seem like much, but it was the first step in getting the Council to seriously consider the impact of their words and actions on a section of society which is often overlooked and under-represented.
In a public show of support, Bristol Refugee Rights along with our other supporters marched from Easton to Council House on College Green holding banners and placards.
As a result, Bristol officially became a City of Sanctuary on Wednesday 22nd June 2011 at Council House on Bristol’s College Green.
This film is of the official launch of Bristol as a City of Sanctuary on the 22nd of June 2011. It was a fantastic day celebrating a multicultural Bristol, and consisted of a civic launch at Bristol City Council Hall and a promenade performance at the Bristol Cathedral.
Our Vision
Bristol City of Sanctuary shares the national City of Sanctuary vision that the UK will be a welcoming place of safety for all and proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecutionOur
Information about how we will use your data is contained in our privacy policy. We will never sell or share your data with 3rd parties. You can withdraw your consent at any time by opting out of the email, emailing [email protected]
