It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of City of Sanctuary Southampton, a charity dedicated to making Southampton a place of welcome and safety for refugees and asylum seekers.

Founded by the late Stephen Press, City of Sanctuary Southampton has been a beacon of hope and compassion in our community. Stephen’s vision and tireless dedication ensured that countless individuals fleeing conflict and persecution found a welcoming environment and the support they needed to rebuild their lives.

Over the years, our charity has worked alongside schools, libraries, charities, drama groups and the universities enabling them to be recognised as places of sanctuary. On the 19th July 2017, Stephen’s 61st birthday, Southampton City Council support and endorsed Southampton being a City of Sanctuary. They recognised the hard work done by so many over the years to help welcome those fleeing violence and persecution in their own countries, and to recognise the amazing contribution Refugees and Asylum Seekers bring to our city of Southampton. Together, we have made a tangible difference in the lives of many refugees and asylum seekers, offering them a sense of belonging and a fresh start.

Trustee, Paul Woodman shared: “Stephen Press was a true visionary whose commitment to helping refugees has left an indelible mark on Southampton. While we are saddened by the closure of City of Sanctuary Southampton, we are immensely proud of what has been achieved. The spirit of welcome and compassion that Stephen championed will continue to live on in our community. We remain dedicated to supporting refugees in any way we can, ensuring that Southampton remains a city of sanctuary. Members met this week to apply for closure of the charity to the Charity Commission”

As we bring this chapter to a close, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Your unwavering support, generosity, and kindness have made a profound impact. Though our doors may be closing, the legacy of City of Sanctuary Southampton will endure, inspiring continued efforts to make our city a place of refuge and hope. Our final piece of work was the commissioning of a report on the work of local organisations to welcome refugees and asylum seekers over the past 20 years. This was kindly hosted by the University of Southampton.

The Sanctuary Network is continuing with a broad partnership of organisations led by Solent University, Southampton City Council, the University of Southampton and City Life Church.

For further information, please contact: City of Sanctuary Southampton Email: info@cityofsanctuarysouthampton.org Phone: 023 8000 0000