Warmly welcoming people seeking refuge.

Sanctuary exists to welcome people seeking refuge - offering a safe space for community, connection and counsel.

An Open Letter to Our New Neighbours

Dear Neighbour,

Welcome to Eastbourne. We know your journey towards safety has been trying and wearisome. And now that you’re here, ready to restart your life, we realise you are navigating a lot.

At Sanctuary, we stand for a world that warmly welcomes people seeking refuge. It is our heart to provide a safe space, full of kind people ready to help you on your journey. Whether you are here for a short time or a long time, you are welcome here.

We aim to be a community that champions your voice. A community that connects you to people and information when you need it. A community that gathers together sharing in the highs and lows over a cup of tea, games or artwork.

To our friends who have had to leave behind everything familiar - family, friends, careers, and homes. We see you.

To our friends navigating culture, language and the complexities of immigration. We respect you.

To our friends who have not received the respect, dignity and welcome you deserve. We are sorry.

At Sanctuary, we can’t solve everything, but we promise to do our best to help - offering you kindness and compassion along the way.

Since 2016, Sanctuary has been providing much-needed support to people who are displaced in Eastbourne. People who have fled their homes, left everything familiar and made the difficult journey to restart their lives in the UK.

Join the Community!

Are you claiming asylum or awaiting a decision? Do you need support navigating the immigration system or the National Health System in the UK? Perhaps you are looking to connect with people in the community? We would love to welcome you and offer our support.

Are you interested in supporting people seeking refuge in Eastbourne? A smile goes a long way! If you have time, talents, experiences or gifts that you would like to share with others, we would love to hear from you! Please connect with us to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Are you interested in supporting people seeking refuge in Eastbourne but don’t feel you have the time to volunteer? Consider supporting the efforts of Sanctuary financially. Whether you decide to give one time or regularly, we appreciate your generosity and support of people seeking to restart their lives.