Lambeth welcomed guests including sanctuary seekers, the voluntary sector organisations who work with them, Lambeth schools primary and secondary joining the network of Sanctuary helping build a culture of welcome, to celebrate World refugee Week and its theme of Community as a Superpower with an event in the Town Hall.
Welcome from the Mayor of Lambeth
Lambeth’s Mayor, Councillor Adrian Garden, welcomed guests to celebrate community together: “Lambeth is proud to be a borough of Sanctuary. We welcome the diversity that sanctuary seekers bring to our borough – we have a long history of welcoming migrants here.
“The power of community is important in making sanctuary seekers feel welcome and safe. Lambeth’s communities are where we find belonging, support and strength – they remind us that we are never alone. Community shines through in everyday moments, a smile, a kind word, a small act of care goes a long way. Simple gestures of community connect us and can grow into something truly powerful. Together let’s unleash the community of Superpower in Lambeth.”
Word from the Leader
Councillor Claire Holland, Leader of Lambeth Council, said:
“It’s great to see so many people today joining us from the council services who work with sanctuary seekers, partners from the voluntary and community sector, and most of all, people with lived experience of coming to Lambeth to escape war and persecution. It is a testament to community when kindness and hospitality shine through.
“As our Mayor says, I’m so proud that we have been a borough of sanctuary since 2022 – and proud to have supported people fleeing war and persecution to resettle in Lambeth whether it be from Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine, or those seeking asylum hoping to rebuild their lives. Diversity is not just our strength, but our identity as a borough.
“This Refugee Week, we are uniting through celebratory activities and events. It’s a moment to reflect on the work Lambeth and friends do to support and stand alongside our diverse community.
“Looking around the room I see so many people who will help and assist you on your journeys. World Refugee Week is an opportunity for Lambeth to show our strong commitment to equity and justice. We are committed to listening to the voices of people seeking sanctuary in Lambeth – do talk to us to help make sure our services are shaped by the people they are designed to help. We really want to know what you think of Lambeth Sanctuary Services.
“We celebrate you all in World Refugee Week in Lambeth It is a place we can all call home.”
“Welcome to Lambeth” guidebook
Lambeth adult education provider High Trees presented the new ‘Welcome to Lambeth’ booklet. Launched in World Refugee Week, the guide was written and designed by sanctuary seekers for sanctuary seekers following in their footsteps. as part of a course taught by High Trees and hosted by Surrey Cricket Club. “Sanctuary seekers came together to build something meaningful for other people. Thank you Lambeth, for trusting us with your vision.’”
Shaping services
Sanctuary Forum member Ayesha Siddiqui talked about the importance of getting people from sanctuary-seeking communities to work with Lambeth to make sure the services the council provides are shaped by the people who use them.
Schools of Sanctuary
Cllr Nanda Manley-Browne, joint Cabinet lead for Healthier Communities, presented certificates to Hitherfield School, newly accredited as a School of Sanctuary and to the Sanctuary schools and Baytree Centre who contributed artwork to the week-long ‘Community as superpower’ exhibition on display in the Town Hall for World Refugee Week.
Performance
Performers from sanctuary-seeking communities entertained the guests before the event ended with networking and socialising.
- Internationally celebrated singer Igor Tselyp performed a powerful unaccompanied version of a Ukrainian song
- Hemn Abib, from Kurdistan performed three original compositions on the oud.
- NJC (‘Not Just a Crew) – who describe themselves as ‘not just dancers but story carriers’ – performed and got the audience to join in with streetdance.
More information
Community and voluntary sector stallholders at the event were:
High Trees, the Baytree Centre, Kids Network, New Vision for Women providing art for children, Migrant Help, Guys & St Thomas’ Asylum Seekers Service, the Refugee Council and Lambeth’s own Sanctuary Services team.
