Richmond Sanctuary Board is calling on residents with lived experience as refugees or asylum seekers to join the board and help shape the borough’s support for sanctuary seekers.
Councillor Nancy Baldwin, Spokesperson for Communities, Equalities and the Voluntary Sector, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “I’m proud of our local Sanctuary Board, which plays a vital role in our Borough of Sanctuary Action Plan. By involving residents who have faced the challenges of seeking sanctuary, we ensure their voices are heard and valued, helping us create tailored services for local sanctuary seekers.”
The board, which meets quarterly, oversees actions to make Richmond an inclusive borough. Sanctuary Champion Councillor Fiona Sacks added: “Richmond is committed to welcoming sanctuary seekers and ensuring they feel safe, supported, and able to thrive. By inviting residents with lived experience to join, we can better shape our actions to support and welcome sanctuary seekers.”
“By amplifying the voices of those who’ve sought sanctuary, we ensure our support is truly meaningful and impactful.” – Councillor Nancy Baldwin
The board is recruiting five residents who have experienced being refugees or asylum seekers. These members will:
- Provide feedback on the borough’s plans.
- Help decide funding allocations through the Borough of Sanctuary Grant Scheme.
- Use their community knowledge to guide the board’s work.
The initial recruitment focuses on those who arrived in the UK through resettlement schemes such as those for Afghanistan, Syria, and the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. Future rounds will target other groups, including asylum seekers, unaccompanied minors, and those with no recourse to public funds. Priority will be given to residents currently living in Richmond or those with past experiences of sanctuary-seeking in the borough.
To ensure inclusivity, the council will cover travel and access-related costs, provide English language support, and offer training opportunities to board members.
This initiative reflects Richmond’s commitment to fostering a welcoming environment and creating meaningful opportunities for sanctuary seekers to influence decisions affecting their lives.
