Newsletter - Summer 2024

Dear friend,

Welcome to our Summer 2024 Newsletter, written soon after a General Election fought not least on opposing migration policies. PCoS remains politically neutral, but has always advocated against Rwanda flights and for strong action against traffickers. We’ll continue welcoming, orientating, and integrating our city’s ‘sanctuary seekers’ as best we can. See this webpage for our Vision .

Some of our many supporters (270 organisations) enjoyed Refugee Week events with talented refugees performing alongside local artists across the city. We also celebrated our 5th anniversary at the launch event at Portsmouth Cathedral, and are so grateful to you for your support, partnerships and donations over the last 5 years!

Many congratulations to creative partners, Aspex Portsmouth, who have become the region's first Gallery of Sanctuary.

We are always looking for more volunteers and trustees. These are humanitarians from diverse backgrounds, united in making a real difference to people’s lives. If you're interested please see our webpage Volunteer.

In concert with several other projects, our National Lottery funding is now helping us develop our multi-agency Refugee Hub at All Saints Church every Monday morning, as well as casework at St Luke’s Church during the week.

Lastly thank you to all of our operational partners, including the PCC’s ‘Council of Sanctuary’ initiative, as well as the regular donations from Christ Central Church, DrumNation, Stand Up to Racism, and of course our larger grant providers. Have a great summer!

Kind regards
Malcolm Little
PCoS Chair of Trustees

Visit our website

Volunteers

PCoS Volunteers Social Event

Thank you to The Coastal Kitchen Family who provided the PCoS volunteer team with free pitch and putt for our annual summer team get-together. The volunteers enjoyed delicious food and a friendly game which was a great success!

Join our team of volunteers at Portsmouth City of Sanctuary

Become a Volunteer Women's Group Caseworker

News

Refugee Week 2024 launched at Portsmouth Cathedral

Hundreds of guests turned out for an evening of performances, including dance, music, poetry and the spoken word, at the start of a week in which we'll celebrate the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and those seeking sanctuary.

Sports activities led by Portsmouth City of Sanctuary

The Portsmouth City of Sanctuary Welcome Project

Volunteer Testimony

Volunteers making a difference to our city

Aspex Portsmouth is a recognised Gallery of Sanctuary

Aspex Portsmouth is a recognised Gallery of Sanctuary and received Sanctuary in Arts status from City of Sanctuary in June 2024.

Since 2016, Aspex have been committed to breaking down barriers and creating an inclusive environment.

Events

A close partnership is growing

We are delighted to be continuing our work with the local libraries who are Libraries of Sanctuary.

Check out their huge list of Summer Activities at the Libraries across the city!

Explore Outside in World: children's books in translation drop-in

Discover this prestigious collection of international children's books translated into English at a drop-in and storytime events at the University Library.

31 July, 11am-1pm: Book your free place
9 August, 1-3pm: Book your free place

Get involved!

We are at Victorious Festival this year, and will be situated in the Kids Arena. Please come and visit us, we will have lots of fun activities and information about Portsmouth City of Sanctuary.

Come visit us at Victorious

PCoS Training opportunities

In the Autumn we will be hosting several webinars focusing on Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) in partnership with VISTA, and commissioned by Portsmouth City Council.

Please follow us on PCoS Eventbrite for booking details

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