Southwark Borough of Sanctuary

Southwark was recognised as a ‘Borough of Sanctuary’ from 2024. We are committed to welcoming, supporting and celebrating asylum seekers, refugees and migrants.

Action Planning Event 2026

SRCF, in partnership with Southwark Council, facilitated the Borough of Sanctuary Action Planning event in January 2026. The event brought together the Council, voluntary sector partners, and the SRCF Experts by Experience Panel to refresh our shared vision and strengthen collective leadership.

Grounded in lived experience, the day focused on continuing positive integration in Southwark for the coming year. Participants reflected on progress and limitations of the Borough of Sanctuary partnership so far, highlighting communication as a priority.

The session concluded by establishing a clear framework for coordination going forward.

Borough of Sanctuary Celebration 2026

Lived Experience Workshop

SRCF, Southwark Council and Southwark VCS partners celebrating the first year of Southwark as a Borough of Sanctuary

Improving Health Access for Sanctuary Seekers

Via partnerships between SRCF Experts by Experience with City St George’s, NHS South East London and Public Health, the Borough of Sanctuary has contributed towards improved health access for Sanctuary Seekers:

NHS SE London: Measles vaccination awareness
Community Southwark:
- Project: Mental & Physical Health screenings and signposting
- Consultation: Housing Journeys and Mental Health
Public Health
- Consultation: Sexual Health access & awareness
Migrant Health Community Research Network (MHCRN)
- Workshop: Migrant Workers, Exploitation and Health
- Workshop: Models of Healthcare

Lived Experience Workshop

SRCF hosted a Borough of Sanctuary Lived Experience workshop in May 2024. We consulted with established refugees, newly recognised refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants. We discussed the vision, objectives and principles.