Southampton reaccredited with Library of Sanctuary status
Southampton's City Libraries play an important role in many of our local communities, and this includes helping refugees and people seeking sanctuary
Southampton's City Libraries play an important role in many of our local communities, and this includes helping refugees and people seeking sanctuary.
Southampton City Libraries were one of the first in the country to be awarded the prestigious Library of Sanctuary in 2020. This was reconfirmed in May 2024, where the panel assessing their application acknowledged the progress and continued commitment the service had made provide a warm welcome to people seeking asylum and developing services to meet their needs. The award was presented at a ceremony in the Civic Centre on Tuesday 30 July. The event was attended by the Lord Mayor of Southampton, the Leader of the council and councillors.
During the event, attendees heard from refugees that had settled in Southampton and they shared parts of their stories, what they loved about the city and how they plan on continuing to help their communities.
Southampton City Council is an associate member of the City of Sanctuary Local Authority Network, together with over fifty other major towns and cities such as Birmingham, Liverpool, Bristol and Newcastle, as well as county councils. This is a movement of councils who are working to create a culture of welcome, inclusion and empowerment for people seeking sanctuary. They work with local organisations and communities to help people adjust to life in a new country, to integrate and to be able to contribute to our society whilst providing a safe and inclusive space for all.
Councillor Lorna Fielker, Leader of Southampton City Council said:
"It’s so important to me that my home, our city, is a welcoming and safe space for those arriving here to seek refuge. For centuries Southampton has been an incredibly diverse place and we have a proud record of providing sanctuary, resolving to be a City of Sanctuary in 2017, and reconfirming that commitment at this event. I’m also delighted that our library service has been reaccredited with Library of Sanctuary status.
"I’m grateful to those that shared their inspirational stories with us at this event. I admire their bravery and commitment to helping others and I’m honoured to share Southampton with them.
"I'd also like to thank SWVG who we worked with on this event, and the many other organisations in Southampton who provide support and friendship to people fleeing war and persecution."
Carolyn Abel, Head of Culture and Tourism, Southampton City Council said:
"We are thrilled to be reaccredited Library of Sanctuary for another 3 years. Working with support organisations in the city we will provide a warm welcome to people seeking asylum and develop services to meet their needs."
Mark Courtice, SWVG Chair of trustees, added:
"We welcome Southampton City Council's reaffirmation of its commitment to be a Council of Sanctuary and more recently a member of the Local Authority Sanctuary Network. A city that commits to sanctuary gets huge benefits from the people who bring experience, empathy, understanding and the most astonishing work ethic to contribute to the well-being of their adopted City. Sanctuary is not just altruism but an essential building block for the future health of a community."
