The Sanctuary University scheme is relatively new, but is growing rapidly, with universities across the country, from Winchester in the south to Edinburgh in the north enjoying Sanctuary University status. The scheme aims:

‘to inspire and support universities to develop a culture and a practice of welcome within their own institutions, in their wider communities, and across the Higher Education sector in the UK’.

I attended the Sanctuary Universities Conference hosted by York St John last week.

The conference programme was an exciting mix of practitioner experience, research and students sharing their work and experiences. It was really moving to hear from students about the impact the Sanctuary awards had had on their lives, and great to see their talent and hard work on display as student members of the steering group co-chaired the event. Representatives of NGOs such as RefuAid and CARA shared their work on supporting refugee access to Higher Education.

Unfortunately Edge Hill is not a member of this supportive network, but all universities can access their resources, and the network continues to welcome new members.