Image Credits: SalfordNow, Salford Precinct

Salford has officially been recognised as a City of Sanctuary for refugees.

The city was granted the status back in March 2023, but was formally recognised at an exclusive event yesterday (Wednesday 7 June) at Worsley Court House.

Members of the council attended the event, including City Mayor Paul Dennett, Chief Executive Tom Stannard, and Councillor Yolande Ghola, who spoke of her experiences as a sanctuary seeker in Salford.

The event also recognised how local schools, such as The Friars Primary School, Cannon Street, and libraries are working to create inclusive environments for refugees.

The status recognises Salford as a city which provides inclusive and welcoming communities for asylum seekers and refugees. The national project was founded in 2005 and has seen more than 100 cities awarded the status.

A Facebook post from City Mayor Paul Dennett read: “Yesterday we marked City of Sanctuary status, recognising Salford’s long history of inclusivity for refugees. We heard about the skills, richness, and talent different communities have brought to the city and the importance of focusing on our similarities and not differences.”

Another post from Hannah Robinson-Smith for Lower Cadishead and Irlam read: “Salford is officially a City of Sanctuary and I was so honoured to attend the celebration of our award today! My incredible ward colleague Councillor Yolande Ghola very bravely shared her own story as a sanctuary seeker, amongst others. The true #SpiritOfSalford was in that room today and is evident across our incredible city where I’m in no doubt that all #RefugeesWelcomeHere.”

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