Barnsley Borough City Of Sanctuary

20/06/2026

On we stand with refugees, for whom courage is often a daily necessity. It is the courage to face unknown journeys, learn new languages, navigate unfamiliar systems, or simply to wake up each morning and step into an uncertain world.

Click the link to read more stories of courage from the people we work with at the Refugee Council: https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/support-us/campaign-for-us/refugee-week/

20/06/2026

Yesterday, the Liberal Democrats were proud - alongside Labour and independents - to support the Barnsley Borough City of Sanctuary by attending a fantastic event where the children of our town demonstrated exceptional skills and care in creating presentations to show the true heart and inclusivity of our town.

Prizes have traditionally been awarded by the mayor to our town's students for the effort and care they put into their work. This was not the case this year, with prizes handed out by last year's Deputy Mayor, Cllr Jo Newing.

Chris Wray, chair of the Lib Dems, said
"It's extremely disappointing that the Reform mayor decided that this event was not worth his time. He was invited; the meeting had already been accepted and was in the diary, but he chose to back out.

"We have seen from their early decisions what Reform stands for: the marginalisation of anyone who is not like them. The Lib Dems will always stand for every part of our communities. Britain, and Barnsley, was built on this strength, and we will always oppose those who want to tear it down."

19/06/2026

You’ve got £9.95 to last you the whole week… what’s your plan?

🧣Will you get a t-shirt as all you have is winter clothes?
☎️ What about credit for your phone so you can check in with your mum - she’s not well at the moment…
🧼But you’re running low on shower gel and deodorant too…
🚌 Hang on, the bus is nearly a fiver and you have a doctor’s appointment on Wednesday and it’s too far to walk…

This impossible choice is played out in asylum hotels every single week. Whilst people await a decision on the asylum claim, they are banned from working and unable to access any public benefits. Instead they receive £9.95 per week, about £1.40 per day.

This has to cover clothing, toiletries, phone data, travel, cleaning supplies and any fresh food you might want to supplement the food you get given. People in hotels are not allowed to cook for themselves - but the food provided is often unhealthy and lacking in variety. Chips and rice, chips and rice. Every single day for months.

Asylum hotels are often located on the outskirts of cities, making bus travel unavoidable - but also unaffordable. This means instead of attending English lessons or community centres where people can find connection, direction and support - they are forced into isolation, stagnation and ill health.

Out of all this pain - a few people are making a lot of profit. The company Clearsprings have already made £180+m from asylum housing. Imagine what that money could do if it was invested in proper housing for everyone instead?

There’s nothing luxurious about these hotels. There’s nothing enviable about this limbo. The reality of seeking sanctuary in the UK is bleak. No one would do it unless they had to.

Right now misinformation means some of the most vulnerable people in our communities are being scapegoated, persecuted and attacked. It’s up to all of us to stand up for the truth and speak up for sanctuary.

👉 This Refugee Week help bring humanity back into the conversation. Download our free Courageous Conversations change-maker guide here: https://cityofsanctuary.org/2025/03/25/22280/

19/06/2026

Refugee Week lasts just seven days, but the movement for change continues all year round.

The 'Join the Movement' Simple Act is an invitation to carry forward everything you have learned, felt and experienced. Each conversation, connection, and moment of welcome contributes to lasting transformation in our communities and beyond.

We know that change doesn’t happen overnight but the accumulation of each of our actions, no matter how seemingly small, contributes to the movement towards positive change.

When we come together, our collective power is limitless. A real superpower.

Here are some ideas for staying involved:

➡️ Join your local City of Sanctuary group
➡️ Get involved with arts organisations like Counterpoints Arts
➡️ Join or start a STAR (Student Action for Refugees) group
➡️ Join the Together with Refugees campaign

19/06/2026

17/06/2026

Throughout this week our libraries are providing 'trees of courage' as part of our displays for Refugee Week, reflecting on the courage we all draw on in different moments of our lives and offering a space to feel grounded, share kindness and celebrate resilience.
You are invited to take a leaf with a message of courage or inspiration to support you in whatever you are facing or to write a message on a leaf and add it to the tree for someone else who may need strength and reassurance.

Refugee Week 2026 and its theme of ‘Courage’ recognises the resilience, creativity and strength of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.


Borough City Of Sanctuary

16/06/2026

Join us for a special live performance at Library @ Lightbox at 1.30pm on Wednesday 17 June to enjoy a unique and inspiring performance by Y4 and Y5 pupils from Joseph Locke Primary School.
The children will be performing an original song they created in a workshop with members of award winning folk group 'The Young’uns' earlier this year. The song tells the remarkable story of Michael Marks, a Polish Jewish refugee who went on to found the iconic British brand Marks & Spencer.
This short performance is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate creativity, history, and young voices telling powerful stories.

Everyone is welcome – we'd love to see you there to support the children.

15/06/2026

Let's celebrate our community.

15/06/2026

Refugee Week 2026 takes place across the UK from tomorrow (Monday 15 June) to Sunday (21 June), culminating on World Refugee Day on Saturday 20 June. The official theme for the 2026 festival is 'Courage' and we've put together a collection of audio and eBooks on our free Libby digital reading app.
Download and read for free: https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/libraries/ebooks-eaudio-and-digital-resources/

14/06/2026

Why do we want Barnsley to be a welcoming place?

Because a welcoming town is a stronger town.

When people feel safe and accepted, they are more likely to take part in community life. They volunteer, start businesses, share their skills, support local shops, and build friendships.

A welcoming Barnsley means:
• More connection between neighbours
• More cultural events, art, music, and food
• More support for local businesses
• More opportunities for children to grow up with open minds
• A stronger and kinder community for everyone

When people from different backgrounds come together, we all gain something new. New ideas. New friendships. New perspectives.

A welcoming place does not only help newcomers. It benefits everyone who lives here.

Barnsley becomes richer in culture, stronger in community, and brighter in spirit.

When everyone feels they belong, the whole town thrives.