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Working Together to Build a Culture of Welcome

Creating a welcoming community for refugees and people seeking sanctuary is a shared responsibility.

Stockport City of Sanctuary works in partnership with organisations across the borough to strengthen support, promote inclusion, and build a culture of welcome.

Our partners include community organisations, charities, schools, faith groups, businesses, and public sector institutions who share a commitment to dignity, compassion, and solidarity.

Together, we are helping ensure that Stockport is a place where people seeking sanctuary feel valued, respected, and able to belong.


Why Partnership Matters

Many organisations across Stockport already support refugees and people seeking sanctuary in different ways.

By working together we can:

• share knowledge and good practice
• strengthen community connections
• coordinate activities and events
• improve access to services and opportunities
• promote understanding and challenge misinformation
• build a stronger culture of welcome across the borough

Partnership working helps ensure that welcome is not the responsibility of one organisation alone, but something that is shared across the whole community.


Our Role

Stockport City of Sanctuary acts as a connector and platform for organisations committed to welcome.

We help bring together partners to:

• collaborate on community initiatives
• promote public awareness and understanding
• celebrate inclusive organisations through the Sanctuary Awards programme
• support organisations exploring their journey towards becoming a Place of Sanctuary


Types of Partners

We work with a wide range of organisations including:

Community Organisations

Groups providing advice, community activities, wellbeing support, and opportunities for connection.

Schools and Educational Institutions

Schools and colleges that promote understanding, inclusion, and global citizenship through the Schools of Sanctuary programme.

Faith Organisations

Faith groups that offer safe spaces of welcome, community activities, and practical support.

Businesses

Local businesses that support inclusive employment practices and demonstrate social responsibility.

Public Sector Partners

Local authorities, health institutions, libraries, and other services working to ensure inclusive access and support.


Becoming a Sanctuary Organisation

Organisations across Stockport can demonstrate their commitment to welcome by becoming recognised as a Place of Sanctuary.

The City of Sanctuary Awards recognise organisations that actively promote inclusion and support people seeking sanctuary.

This journey involves:

• learning about refugee experiences
• embedding welcoming practices
• sharing a commitment to inclusion with others


Partner with Us

We welcome partnerships with organisations that share our vision of a welcoming and inclusive Stockport.

By partnering with Stockport City of Sanctuary, your organisation can:

• contribute to building stronger communities
• support positive understanding of refugee experiences
• demonstrate leadership in inclusion and social responsibility
• connect with other organisations working towards the same vision


Download the Partnership Pack

If your organisation would like to explore partnership opportunities or becoming a Sanctuary organisation, please download our Partner Pack.

The pack includes:

• information about the City of Sanctuary movement
• ways organisations can get involved
• the benefits of partnership
• guidance on becoming a recognised Place of Sanctuary

Download the Partner Pack