Lewisham Council celebrates 100th re-settled refugee family on World Refugee Day
It was also an opportunity to celebrate the fact that the Council has re-settled the 100th refugee family in the borough this week – a key manifesto pledge.There was amazing food provided by Plateful Café, facepainting, giant bubbles and music provided by one of our brilliant NCIL funded projects, Give a Song.
Lewisham Council works with partners, the Refugee Council, Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network and through Lewisham Migration Forum to support sanctuary seekers in the borough. In addition to our policy of resettling vulnerable refugee families from Syria, Afghanistan and other areas of conflict, the Council is also committed to providing the best standards of care to unaccompanied child asylum seekers. When newcomers are supported in rebuilding their lives, the entire community benefits. We are particularly proud of local voluntary organisations, businesses and individuals who have been working together to welcome people seeking sanctuary in Lewisham.
This week is Refugee Week and there are a range of events, from workshops to film screenings, going on across the borough.
Visit our Borough of Sanctuary page to find out more about the Council’s Borough of Sanctuary work.
Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham said:
“We had a wonderful celebration with our refugee families in Mountsfield Park this week. Lewisham is an open borough and is leading the way in London and nationally with our refugee re-settlement programme. We believe that diversity enhances our community and this was a lovely opportunity to come together, celebrate and give a very warm welcome to our sanctuary seekers in Lewisham.”
Cllr Juliet Campbell, Cabinet Member for Communities, Refugees and Wellbeing said:
“We are very proud of the work that we and our partners are doing in Lewisham to support all sanctuary seekers. At a time of increased pressure and negative narrative from central Government, we celebrate and promote the welcome contribution of people seeking sanctuary in our brough and prove that diverse communities like ours can be both happy and cohesive.”
Renae Mann, Executive Director of Services, Refugee Council said:
“Lewisham Council is leading the way by demonstrating how a compassionate response to refugees strengthens communities. The Refugee Council is delighted to work alongside Lewisham Council and voluntary sector partners to provide the warm welcome and specialist support that men, women and children who have fled violence and conflict need to rebuild their lives in Lewisham. The confidence and tools this support has provided have allowed many refugees to access opportunities that benefit the whole community.”
Photo credit:Tariq Chaudry. Damien Egan, the Mayor of Lewisham with some of our refugee families at the event.