Borough of Sanctuary - simple acts

Simple acts #SimpleActs

As the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, we are proud to welcome and support people seeking sanctuary – asylum seekers, migrants and refugees. The theme for Refugee Week 2023 is compassion. We’ve asked people seeking sanctuary in Lewisham about the simple acts that community members have done that made them feel welcome and have based our suggestions on this feedback.

• “Contact with people is so important. A warm smile, a friendly ‘How are you?’, the body language.”
• “When you feel welcome you start integrating.”
• “People smiling at me, not ignoring me, made a big difference.”
• “People reaching out to me really helped - I made a big effort to be more outgoing.”

What can we do in our community?

Welcome newcomers, whether it’s at work, in the neighbourhood or at the school gate. Offer to add new families to a parent WhatsApp group, extend a lunch invite to a new colleague or greet your new neighbour.

• “I appreciate it when there are opportunities to be together as a community.”
• “Shortly after we arrived, our neighbours organised a BBQ and invited us along. It made such a difference!”

Consider organising a community event, big or small like a BBQ or a picnic in the park.

• “A little patience with the language barriers goes a long way!”

Slow down a little when talking to someone who is learning the language, simplify the language and repeat, when necessary. Finding your feet in a new language can be scary, be open and encouraging.

• “Taking the time to explain how a system works to me helped me to understand everything better.”
• “I really appreciated when people showed me where to go for help and support.”

Offer to help someone navigate the systems that are new to them. Research the sources of advice and support together.

• “People at this charity stand up for me and encourage me. They give me a listening ear and help me find solutions.”

Support local organisations that help migrants and refugees such as Action for Refugees in Lewisham and Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network.

• “It makes me feel welcome when people in my community stand up for migrants and refugees.”

Pledge your support to people seeking asylum, migrants and refugees by signing the Lewisham Borough of Sanctuary pledge. Get involved in national campaigns on issues affecting sanctuary seekers.

Find out more: Lewisham: Borough of Sanctuary