Sanctuary in Chichester – part of the wider City of Sanctuary movement – became a registered charity in its own right (no. 1181855) in February 2019.
We launched just over three years earlier, after a group of people from West Sussex felt impelled to respond to the refugee crisis. This ongoing crisis is the biggest since World War II and we felt the need to take action at home.
We offer a range of support and social activities for asylum seekers and refugees, including a lively weekly drop-in, befriending, English tutoring, homework support for kids, the Pathways to Independence programme, outings, schools liaison and Nations United football club for unaccompanied asylum seeking children in partnership with the University of Chichester. We also provide basic necessities and wrap-around support for new arrivals in the greatest need.
Our dedicated Board of Trustees work unpaid to ensure the day-to-day functioning of Sanctuary in Chichester, supported by 3 paid part-time members of staff and a large team of skilled volunteers who carry out the bulk of the charity’s work.