In June this year the Lewisham Migration Forum (LMF) once again brought together individuals and organisations working with sanctuary seekers from all across the borough. The LMF provides a shared space to spread resources, build solidarity, and keep the Borough of Sanctuary movement strong and accountable.
Attendees included representatives from charities and community organisations, Lewisham Council, campaigners from across the borough, and many experts by experience. Together we listened to presentations from Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network (LRMN), AFRIL, Refugee Council, and Sydenham Gardens. The LMF is vital to the Borough of Sanctuary spirit, as it brings residents from all walks of life together to ensure that Lewisham is a welcoming place for everyone.
This quarter’s agenda included
- feedback for Lewisham’s Refugee Week events,
- discussion about the new eVisa policies,
- updates from the Council on Borough of Sanctuary matters,
- a recap of LRMN’s ongoing Safe Surgeries campaign,
- a presentation on Refugee Council’s new Therapeutic Service for Lewisham,
- and an introduction to Sydenham Garden’s new programmes for young people seeking asylum and community members of African and Caribbean descent.
Our work reflects issues we identify affecting our community of welcome, as well as the sanctuary community’s work to address gaps. For instance, the government’s eVisa rollout has negatively impacted visa holders that already face barriers to digital inclusion, so the LMF attendees discussed strategies for helping local applicants. Additionally, LRMN’s recent Secret Shopper action keeps GP surgeries accountable for their Safe Surgery commitments, ensuring that all residents can register without providing proof of identification or address. Refugee Council and Sydenham Garden’s offerings provide much-needed wellness support for Lewisham’s sanctuary seeking residents.
The LMF is always a place to cultivate love for our community and lively discussion about how we can best serve our borough’s sanctuary seekers – and July’s meeting was no exception.
Find the meeting minutes here to see the full details of our discussion. If you want to join the next LMF, sign up for our newsletter by pledging your support and check out our partner organisations!
- Lewisham Refugee & Migrant Network – @LRMNetwork on Instagram and X
- AFRIL – @afril.org.uk on Instagram and @Afril on X
- Facework – @facework_futures and @facework_ukraine on Instagram
- Refugee Council – @refugeecouncil on Instagram and X
- Sydenham Gardens – @SydenhamGarden on Instagram and X
- Lewisham Council’s Borough of Sanctuary website
- City of Sanctuary @cityofsanctuaryuk on Instagram and @CityofSanctuary on X
- The Albany: @thealbanyse8 on Instagram and @TheAlbanySE8 on X