Newsletter - Summer 2025

Dear Friends of PCoS,

As we enjoy the summer, I'd like to take a moment reflect on a beautiful series of events for Portsmouth Refugee Week, and to share our heartfelt thanks to everyone who continues to support our charity and its mission. The sunshine brings with it a sense of renewal and hope - values that are at the heart of everything we do. We continue to support all asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants in the city, and receive referrals from services across the city.

During the first half of the year, we’ve witnessed incredible moments of kindness, resilience, and community spirit. Whether through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading awareness, your support helps us reach those who need it most. We are proud to remain a non-political and an inclusive organisation. In tandem with casework we have had success with integrating local asylum seekers to participate in volunteering opportunities such as community gardening, beach cleans, and revamping community centres as part of our Action Asylum project.

We continue to focus on strengthening our services, deepening community connections, and ensuring our support is accessible, compassionate, and responsive. We have seen an increase in e-visa enquiries, housing and asylum support issues. Please have a look at our casework report for 2024 which can be found here. While there are still challenges ahead, we are encouraged by the solidarity and generosity shown by so many of you.

On behalf of the entire team and board, thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we are making a real difference.

Kind regards
Shamila Dhana
Chair, Portsmouth City of Sanctuary

Visit our website

Volunteers

Volunteers plant trees in Gosport

Thank you to our Portsmouth City of Sanctuary Action Asylum refugee volunteers who took part in a community project in Rowner, Gosport, planting over 80 trees.

See the Insta post

Join our team of volunteers at Portsmouth City of Sanctuary !

We are in need of runners for the Great South Run! Contact: portsmouthcityofsanctuary@gmail.com

News

We are very proud that our Chair of Trustees, Shamila Dhana, was presented in a packed Guildhall with a Civic Award by the Lord Mayor

A University student’s career has been inspired by a community project w ith Portsmouth City of Sanctuary

Shining a light on the Unseen. We are proud to share that our powerful short film was named a finalist at the UK Smiley Charity Film Awards

Researchers convene the first consultation with local authorities and organisations in Portsmouth

On FGM Zero Tolerance Day, Portsmouth took a bold and compassionate step forward

Making Waves Film Festival hosted a successful fundraising event for Portsmouth City of Sanctuary

Short highlight film

Nominate a young sanctuary seeker

Urbond and Portsmouth City of Sanctuary are looking for nominations from professionals, foster carers, social workers, working with young people. They must be under the age of 18 who are Sanctuary Seekers and have demonstrated outstanding work, or overcome adversity.

Nominate here

Donations

Many thanks to Christ Central Church, Pamodzi Creatives, Nova Care Consultants, Al-Zaki, Making Waves Film, Neu Portsmouth District, 432 Nomads, Gosport Shed, James Kirby, Big Yellow Self Storage, First Bus. Gary Spencer-Humphrey from Gary and Associates and donations received via the Big Give website.

PCoS fundraising campaign 2025

Please make a secure online donation to our award-winning grass-roots humanitarian organisation helping local asylum seekers, refugees and migrants, via the Big Give website. You will have the opportunity to include Gift Aid. We've already received £617 and would love to get to £1000. Thank you!

DONATE

Events

PCoS Training opportunities

Working with NRPF (No Recourse to Public Funds) and Understanding Asylum Support. Professionals training in these two areas will be held in the Autumn.

Please follow us on PCoS Eventbrite to be notified of dates

Baton of Hope Tour 2025

The Baton of Hope Tour 2025 is coming to Portsmouth on 26 September. The Baton of Hope is the UK’s largest ever suicide prevention initiative. Would you like to carry the Baton of Hope? See here for details.

Please follow Baton of Hope