Southwark Council has approved new funding of £100,000 per year for the next four years to support asylum seekers, refugee settlement and community cohesion.
The funding will be issued in the form of grants distributed between four aid organisations:
- £15,000- Southwark Law Centre (SLC): To contribute to ongoing policy and advocacy work that directly supports Southwark’s Borough of Sanctuary commitments.
- £20,000 – Citizens Advice Southwark (CAS): To help support in the organization’s immigration advice service..
- £25,000 – Panjshir Aid: To sustain the vital and trusted work of Panjshir Aid in supporting Afghan asylum seekers and refugee communities currently residing in Southwark.
- £40,000 – Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers (SDCAS): To help stabilize the organization, which is currently facing pressure on its frontline capacity. This funding will support the retention of skilled staff and ensure the continued delivery of core services.
The funding follows Southwark being awarded Borough of Sanctuary status last year for its commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion and support for refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants.
Cllr Jasmine Ali, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Refugees said:
“I’m really proud that Southwark is a recognised Borough of Sanctuary. This status exemplifies what we’re all about – inclusivity, supporting vulnerable people and being a place that welcomes others with open arms.
“This new funding being spread between important community-led initiatives will help to support vital work around removing barriers for asylum seekers, refugees and migrants and strengthening our capacity to offer meaningful sanctuary.”
The Borough of Sanctuary status, awarded by City of Sanctuary UK, recognises Southwark as a place that welcomes residents from all over the world, including those that are escaping war or persecution, and has measures in place to provide support, care and professional advice to these communities.