Welcome to the Portsmouth City of Sanctuary newsletter.
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Dear ,
Welcome to our Spring Newsletter. Portsmouth City of Sanctuary (PCoS) is an award-winning humanitarian charity for people seeking sanctuary. With over 210 supporting organisations, PCoS is an independent, grassroots, apolitical, and non-religious group of passionate volunteers.
Although much of our casework delivers routine, but effective, orientation and signposting options for hundreds of people seeking sanctuary in Portsmouth annually, we don’t wave flags or promote campaign slogans. However, we will not remain neutral if marginalised individuals are treated cruelly or unfairly. For example, we totally reject the Rwandan policy that destroys hope and dignity.
We’re delighted to share that we have five placement students from the Universities of Portsmouth and Winchester, working as integral team members based at St Luke’s Church co-worker space based in the city centre in Greetham Street.
We’re ambitious to grow our multi-agency Refugee Sanctuary Hub, English classes, cycling, sport, dance and other integration projects, and would like to thank our existing partners for their support. We’re so grateful for everything (including time, donations and expertise) that has enabled us to welcome and assist Portsmouth’s most at-risk people seeking sanctuary.
Kind regards, Malcolm Little
Chair of Trustees
News
If you're seeking asylum and would like to study for an undergraduate (Bachelor's) degree, you could get a Sanctuary Scholarship to cover all of your undergraduate tuition fees. Closing date for applications 5.30 on 28 April.
Congratulations to Hirina Kaur, who has won 'Inspirational Young Person' for her resilience and hard work at the Pamodzi Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards 2023. Originally from Afghanistan, Hirina was denied the right to education and was home-schooled. She is an active member of the Portsmouth's Youth Parliament.
A team of young asylum seekers has won the 'Spirit of DVMISSION' Award at the DVMISSION film festival for their film The Diamond Chronicles. The film, made within 48 hours, was showcased at a gala screening and awards ceremony. UoP Film and Television PhD student who mentored the team collected the award on behalf of the team.
Diversity-led community organisation launches powerful new project highlighting gender violence in Iran.
PCoS creative partners, 432 NO-MADS, were pleased to present Dancing Through The Reigns of Fire at Aspex, showcasing a film and street dance by an asylum seeker from Iran.
Students lead reading project to help asylum-seeker children enjoy books. Illustration lecturer, Dr Karenanne Knight and students from the University of Portsmouth developed a reading and drawing project to invite families from the Portsmouth City of Sanctuary (PCoS) asylum-seeker community into the University Library.
Impact and volunteers
The aim of the Welcome Box project is to welcome new asylum seekers to the City of Portsmouth and to signpost them to sources of help and advice. All new people seeking sanctuary are given a Welcome Bag, containing a welcome greeting card and local information.
Portsmouth City of Sanctuary is proud to partner with the national Action Asylum initiative, which facilitates volunteering opportunities for people seeking sanctuary. The project helps asylum seekers to meet friends, learn new skills, grow in confidence and alleviate their mental trauma.
OVO Belonging Podcast: Raising Awareness of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Listen to Shamila Dhana on this podcast talking about the impact of FGM in the UK and globally.
Free English classes take place on the Monday Refugee Sanctuary Hub 10am-12pm, and on Wednesdays from 4pm-6pm, both at St. Luke's Church, Greetham Street, PO5 4LH. Both Beginner and Intermediate classes run at the same time. Read refugee testimonial.
This month, Shamila Dhana, PCoS Head of Operations & Safeguarding delivered Refugee Awareness Sessions to 50 Mental Health Practitioners, 100 professionals in partnership with HIVE, and to staff at Portsmouth City Council Children’s Social Services and Education teams.
Impact Report for 2021/22
Portsmouth City of Sanctuary is building a more welcoming city for people forced to flee their homes. Read about the impact of our work in 2021/2022.
Donations
Thank you so much to Toyosi Kitchen in Fratton who are donating 70 hot meals of Jollof rice and chicken every fortnight to the PCoS Monday morning Refugee Sanctuary Hub.
Thank you to everyone that donated to our Aviva Community Crowdfunder. We raised just under £7000 to help fund our Monday morning Refugee Sanctuary Hub.
Who we are
PCoS is a grassroots humanitarian charity (CIO), assisting those seeking sanctuary in Portsmouth with direct action. The PCoS staff and volunteer team aim to compassionately uphold the dignity and independence of all individuals it supports, regardless of status, and we strive to do so with respect and a welcoming warmth for everyone. Meet the team.
PCoS Supporters
We have over 210 organisations in the City of Portsmouth that share the same values as PCoS. If you or your business would like to join the list of growing organisations, contact valeria@portsmouth.cityofsanctuary.org, If you have a project idea of how you can make a difference to the lives of people seeking sanctuary in Portsmouth, contact our communitymanager@portsmouthcityofsanctuary.org
Social shoutout!
PCoS Partners
Contact
Contact Portsmouth City of Sanctuary by emailing communitymanager@portsmouthcityofsanctuary.org
Twitter @PompeySanctuary
Instagram @portsmouthcityofsanctuary
Facebook @portsmouthcityofsanctuary
