Borough of Sanctuary

Our accreditation

We were proud to become a Borough of Sanctuary on 14 June 2024. Borough of Sanctuary is awarded to boroughs that go above and beyond to support sanctuary-seeking residents.

Find out more about our accreditation as a Borough of Sanctuary and about the City of Sanctuary movement.

Voices of Sanctuary

Our Voices of Sanctuary blog uses personal stories and local profiles to highlight the compassion, commitment, and community spirit that helps sanctuary seekers rebuild their lives in Richmond.

Refugee resettlement and support

Find out about our refugee resettlement and support services, and other refugee support networks in the borough.

Discover how to get help in a crisis.

Richmond has a proud history of welcoming refugees and sanctuary seekers into its community, from the arrival of the Huguenots in the 17th century and Belgians during World War I, to more recent populations of displaced people from Afghanistan, Syria, Hong Kong and Ukraine.

Refugee Week grants scheme

Refugee Week is a UK wide celebration recognising the contributions and resilience of those seeking sanctuary. These grants aim to support events in Richmond that celebrate the contributions of sanctuary seekers to the borough.

As part of our commitment to being a Borough of Sanctuary, the Refugee Week grants scheme offers grants to support voluntary and community organisations to deliver activities and events for Refugee Week.

The maximum grant awarded is £2,000.

The 2026 Refugee Week grant scheme is now closed.

How to apply

Read the Refugee Week grants scheme guidance notes for information on who can apply and what we fund.

Complete the Refugee Week grants scheme application form.

Submit the application form and supporting documents to boroughofsanctuary@richmond.gov.uk.

Read the Refugee Week grants scheme terms and conditions before applying.

See details of Richmond's 2026 Refugee Week events.

Borough of Sanctuary Grant scheme

Our Borough of Sanctuary Grant Scheme provides grants of up to £10,000 to groups and projects that work with refugees and asylum seekers, to enable them to undertake activities for six to twelve months.

Larger grants and longer projects may be considered in exceptional circumstances where a clear need and sustainable proposal can be demonstrated.

Support for those with no recourse to public funds

We may be able to support people who are excluded from claiming public funds due to their immigration status. Find out who is eligible for NRPF support, and how to apply.

Richmond Sanctuary Partnership

The Richmond Sanctuary Partnership is fundamental to ensuring that the voice of the community, including people with lived experience, is heard. It meets quarterly and is attended by Richmond Councillors and representatives from Richmond’s voluntary and community sector organisations, with a secretariat comprised of Richmond Council’s Refugee Services team. It is an opportunity for collaborative work as well as the sharing of knowledge and ideas.

The Richmond Sanctuary Partnership also oversees the implementation of our Borough of Sanctuary Strategy. This captures key actions and commitments that will ensure Richmond is a more inclusive borough to all sanctuary seekers.

Get involved

The work of the Richmond Sanctuary Partnership is guided by the Richmond Sanctuary Board. We are currently looking for Richmond residents with lived experience of forced migration to join the Board. Board members with lived experience share their opinions, and provide insight and feedback. Find out more about how to apply to join the Richmond Sanctuary Board.

The Richmond Refugee Services updates provides information to community members including sanctuary seekers, the voluntary and community sector and Richmond residents about news, upcoming events and opportunities that may be of interest.

Communications and engagement project

As part of our Borough of Sanctuary Action Plan, we're inviting voluntary sector and specialist organisations to submit a quote to deliver a project to strengthen communications and engagement with refugee and migrant communities in Richmond.

The commissioned project will support us to:

Research and identify effective communication methods and community assets (including, but not limited to, faith institutions, community centres, and grassroots organisations) to reach sanctuary seekers
Develop a targeted communications plan, co-produced with people with lived experience of forced migration and in partnership with the Refugee Services team
Develop the communications plan, with clear and ambitious targets for reach and engagement, and ensure delivery is embedded by April 2027.

The contract is expected to commence in October 2026 and will run for a period of 6 months. The initial phase will focus on research and development of the communications plan, with implementation commencing during the contract period and supporting delivery of outcomes from January 2027

You can view more information, including submissions and deadlines.

Contact

For additional information or support please contact boroughofsanctuary@richmond.gov.uk.

Translation

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Up to: Services for refugees

Updated: 28 July 2026