Newcastle unites to celebrate refugee week

Newcastle is recognised as a City of Sanctuary and has been committed to welcoming people seeking sanctuary for many years to help them rebuild their lives.

Schools across the city are taking part in events in recognition of refugee week. Simonside Primary in the outer-west of Newcastle and soon to be one of 13 schools recognised as schools of sanctuary, are celebrating the diversity of its community with pupils taking part in a welcome and peace parade around the local area. The school are also inviting local families to attend their 'Culture Cafe' where parents can swap family recipes and taste snacks from all around the world.

Naomi Brennan, EAL Coordinator and RRSA Lead, Simonside Primary said "Simonside is a Gold standard Rights Respecting School and soon to become a School of Sanctuary. Children's rights are learned, taught, practised, respected, protected and promoted.  Compassion for others and a sense of global justice are only some of the qualities that our children develop throughout this work.

Throughout Refugee week and beyond, our message is clear: Simonside is a safe, welcoming place for anyone seeking sanctuary. No outsiders."

On Thursday 22 June Newcastle City Council will be launching its Sanctuary Strategy which sets out the Council’s individual commitments towards the City of Sanctuary goal. This is a reflection of the councils aim for Newcastle to be a place of safety; a welcoming city where people seeking sanctuary have access to support and services, where community links are fostered and where people can rebuild their lives from the day they arrive.

Cllr Paula Maines, Cabinet Member for a Resilient City, Newcastle City Council said: “Newcastle is proud to be a City of Sanctuary. We are a city built on solidarity, and we are proud to welcome people seeking safety. In the face of relentless Government hostility towards people seeking asylum, we do whatever we can to support people as they rebuild their lives.”

The authority is also supporting the North East Migration Partnership with an appeal to recruit foster carers for unaccompanied young people who arrive in the city. These young people require adults to take care of them, who can offer support to reach their potential, and to be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to prepare for independent adult life.

The city’s universities and cultural venues are also offering a wide range of events in support of refugee week from theatre and art workshops to exhibitions and ‘welcome to Newcastle’ sessions.

While those seeking asylum have no choice over where in the UK they are dispersed to, Newcastle takes great pride in the fact that so many refugees chose to settle in the city once their claim for asylum has been determined.

For information about the events taking place see: Events Archive - Information Now

Information on becoming a school of sanctuary: Schools of Sanctuary - Newcastle City of Sanctuary

Information about the NEMP campaign: Give Hope a Home - North East Migration Partnership | North East Migration Partnership (nemp.org.uk)