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In 2023, we were awarded Borough of Sanctuary status. 

This means we’re recognised as a place that welcomes and values the contribution of refugees, migrants and those seeking sanctuary.  

More about our status as a Borough of Sanctuary 

Our corporate strategy, Our Greenwich, sets out our objectives and priorities to develop our services and improve the lives of residents. This includes new arrivals and migrant communities. 

We are committed to supporting refugees, asylum seekers and migrants by: 

  • providing a welcoming environment for them on arrival 
  • helping them settle and integrate into our borough for the benefit of the wider community 
  • encouraging partnership working and networking across areas 
  • Identifying opportunities to work on common issues that create positive change in and across communities  
  • Engaging people looking for sanctuary in decision making and in activities that help people understand issues that affect asylum seekers and refugees and helping get their voices heard 

Download the Borough of Sanctuary policy 

Our work as a Borough of Sanctuary 

So far we have:  

  • joined the National City of Sanctuary Network and the local Borough of Sanctuary Council Network 
  • encouraged individuals and organisations to sign our pledge of support 
  • published a Borough of Sanctuary policy to support refugees, migrants and asylum seekers 
  • set up the Greenwich Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Migrants Group (GRAM) which gives oversight of the support we provide for people arriving in the borough  
  • helped migrants get advice and support about money, food, housing, benefits, employment and training and social activities 
  • set up the Homes for Ukraine scheme 
  • set up the Syrian Resettlement Scheme 
  • set up the Afghan Resettlement Scheme 

We also have a range of local partnerships who provide advice and support to refugees.