Yesterday, Calderdale Council voted to withdraw from the Local Authority of Sanctuary scheme. While we are disappointed by this decision, it does not define Calderdale, nor change who we are or what we stand for.

For us, Sanctuary is not a title or a badge. It is a shared commitment and a promise. It is the everyday acts of welcome shown by our members, volunteers, schools, faith communities, businesses, charities and public services. It is neighbours helping neighbours and communities standing together.

Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary is proud to be part of the City of Sanctuary UK movement, which is a national network working to build communities where everybody is welcomed, included and able to rebuild their lives with dignity, hope and opportunity. 

As an independent charity, we will continue to work constructively with Calderdale Council and alongside our many partners across the borough. We remain committed to building bridges, strengthening communities and ensuring that people seeking sanctuary feel welcomed and valued.

We would like to thank everyone who contacted their local councilors to vote against the Motion, and the councillors who spoke up and voted against it at the meeting. While we fully respect the decision, we remain committed to our work and will continue our efforts. 

Our commitment remains unchanged

We will continue to:

1. Welcome with compassion


Champion inclusion, dignity and belonging, ensuring that everyone, whether they have lived in Calderdale all their lives or have arrived more recently, has the equal opportunity to participate in and contribute to our borough. Stronger inclusion creates stronger, safer and more connected communities for everyone.

2. Celebrate the contribution of people seeking sanctuary


Recognise and celebrate the skills, resilience, culture and experiences that refugees and people seeking sanctuary bring to our communities, enriching the social, cultural and economic life of Calderdale.

3. Grow the Sanctuary movement


Continue to support schools, organisations, businesses and community groups to become part of the Sanctuary movement, strengthening partnerships and creating a wider culture of welcome across Calderdale.

4. Equip and inspire others


Continue to provide resources, training and guidance that help our members, partners and communities put the values of Sanctuary into action every day.

To all our members, supporters and partners: thank you. Your commitment is what makes this movement possible. If you share our vision, we invite you to join us. 

Together, we can continue to show that the true spirit of Calderdale is one of kindness, compassion and welcome.