From welcoming new Places of Sanctuary and strengthening local partnerships to delivering training, celebrating Refugee Week and launching new projects, we’ve continued working towards a Calderdale where everyone feels safe, welcome and a sense of belonging.

Here are some of the highlights of what we’ve achieved together so far this year:

Growing Our Organisation and Sanctuary Network

• We welcomed our first-ever Director and Communications & Administration Officer, strengthening our capacity to support and connect our growing network.
• Our network grew to 127 members and 329 supporters as of September 2026, reflecting the growing commitment to sanctuary across Calderdale.
• We welcomed two new Places of Sanctuary: Greetland Academy and Hardcastle Crags, which became the UK’s first Woodland of Sanctuary.

Learning, Sharing and Raising Awareness

• We delivered 11 training sessions and four school workshops, helping to build understanding, challenge misconceptions and encourage more welcoming communities.
• We coordinated another packed Refugee Week programme, bringing people together through events, activities and conversations across Calderdale. Our special film screening attracted more than 100 audience members.
• We secured funding from the Community Foundation for Calderdale to develop and deliver training about Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC), supporting greater awareness and understanding of their experiences and needs.

Building Partnerships and Creating Change

• We launched the Moving On project, focusing on housing, in partnership with St Augustine’s Centre and Calderdale Council, with funding from the Lloyds Bank Foundation.
• We collaborated on a research project with Manchester Metropolitan University and Pennine Heritage, exploring opportunities to deepen understanding and strengthen community connections.
• We began convening quarterly Support & Integration Network meetings, in partnership with Calderdale Council and the Community Foundation for Calderdale, bringing organisations together to share knowledge, coordinate support and strengthen local collaboration.
• We began working with Yusuf Ciftci, Director of the Experts by Experience Employment Initiative, with support from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, to strengthen our approach to meaningful participation and lived-experience leadership.

Celebrating Creativity, Community and Belonging

• We collaborated with embroidery artist Elnaz Yazdani to create a collective artwork exploring what home means to us, bringing together different voices, experiences and perspectives through creativity.

Thank You for Being Part of Our Journey

None of these achievements would have been possible without the dedication, generosity and commitment of our members, supporters, volunteers, trustees, staff, partners and funders.
Every new partnership, conversation, workshop and shared experience helps build a stronger and more welcoming Calderdale.

Together, we’re not just building a network. We’re building a community where everyone belongs.
Thank you for being part of the Sanctuary Movement. We look forward to continuing this journey together.