Borough of Sanctuary
Wandsworth prides itself in being an open and welcoming place for all, and is dedicated to supporting everyone who wishes to make Wandsworth their home.
Sanctuary in action
We are committed to being a Borough of Sanctuary and working closely with communities.
Becoming a Borough of Sanctuary
On 12 July 2022, Wandsworth councillors voted in support of becoming a Borough of Sanctuary.
This decision reflected the borough’s dedication to fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment for all residents, including migrants and people seeking sanctuary. As part of this commitment, the council worked toward accreditation from the City of Sanctuary organisation and in May 2024, was awarded Borough of Sanctuary status.
Embracing Diversity, Defending Democracy
On Wednesday 22 October 2025, Councillor Akinola and Councillor Varatharaj passed the motion, 'Embracing Diversity, Defending Democracy'.
The motion calls on us to reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity. It asks us to ensure policies are anti‑oppressive across all departments, engage and support affected communities, and continue working with residents, marginalised groups, faith leaders and the VCS. It also calls for all council‑led or supported events to be fully accessible and welcoming to everyone.
Read the full motion and watch the webcast.
The Wandsworth Migration Board’s response to the government’s earned settlement consultation
In February 2026, the co‑Chairs of the Wandsworth Migration Board submitted a joint letter to the Home Secretary in response to the government’s consultation on earned settlement - a proposal to change how migrants and people seeking sanctuary may secure long‑term status in the UK.
The letter outlines the board’s concerns about the proposed changes and the potential impact on vulnerable sanctuary seekers. It urges protections for people already on settlement routes, the removal of penalties for using public funds, and the preservation of fair pathways to settlement.
Read the Migration Board’s response to the Home Secretary.
Refugee resettlement and support
In recent years we have supported families fleeing violence and persecution in Syria and Afghanistan under the government’s resettlement programmes, and we are supporting refugees from the conflict in Ukraine.
Read an overview of the help we are providing to refugees.
We offer detailed information and support for Ukrainian nationals arriving through the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, to help them settle in Wandsworth and later secure their own accommodation. We also provide guidance to residents and organisations who are looking to offer help.
Borough of Sanctuary Community Fund
We recognise the vital role played by the voluntary and community sector in helping to welcome those seeking to build new lives in Wandsworth. The Borough of Sanctuary Community Fund gives grants of up to £10,000 to groups working with refugees and asylum seekers.
Support for those with no recourse to public funds
We may be able to support people who are excluded from claiming public funds due to their immigration status. Find out who is eligible for NRPF support, and how to apply.
Wandsworth Migration Forum
The Wandsworth Migration Forum is fundamental in ensuring that the voice of the community, including people with lived experience, is heard. It meets quarterly and is attended by Wandsworth Councillors and representatives from Wandsworth’s voluntary and community sector organisations, with a secretariat comprised of Wandsworth Council’s Refugee Services team. It is an opportunity for collaborative work as well as for sharing knowledge and ideas.
Get involved
The work of the Wandsworth Migration Forum is guided by the Wandsworth Migration Board. We are currently looking for Wandsworth residents with lived experience of forced migration to join the board and to share their opinions, provide insight and feedback. Find out more about how to apply to join the Wandsworth Migration Board.
Wandsworth Sanctuary Strategy
As part of our commitment as a Borough of Sanctuary we have developed a strategy which sets out a three-year plan for how we will welcome and support all sanctuary seekers.
Find out more about the Wandsworth Sanctuary Strategy.
Refugee Week grants scheme
As part of our commitment to being a Borough of Sanctuary, the Refugee Week grants scheme offers grants to support voluntary and community organisations in delivering activities and events for Refugee Week.
Refugee Week is a UK wide celebration recognising the contributions and resilience of those seeking sanctuary. These grants aim to support events in Wandsworth that celebrate the contributions of sanctuary seekers, in line with this year's theme “Courage”.
The maximum grant awarded is £2,000.
The 2026 Refugee Week grant scheme is now open.
How to apply
Read the Refugee Week grants scheme guidance notes for information on who can apply and what we fund.
Complete the Refugee Week grants scheme application form.
Submit the application form and supporting documents to boroughofsanctuary@wandsworth.gov.uk by Friday 27 March 2026.
Read the Refugee Week grants scheme terms and conditions before applying.
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