City of Sanctuary
City of Sanctuary is a movement to build a culture of hospitality for people seeking sanctuary in the UK. Their goal is to create a network of towns and cities throughout the country which are proud to be places of safety, and which include people seeking sanctuary fully in the life of their communities.
Wakefield is one of five Yorkshire cities who have joined the movement and YSP supports the initiative.
On 8 March 2011 YSP, in partnership with Wakefield District City of Sanctuary and supported by the Cooperative membership, celebrated 100 years of International Women’s Day. Sixty women attended an informal day of free activities inspired by the work of exhibiting artist Shirin Neshat. Activities included tours to see Soliloquy, beauty treatments, Henna art, Iranian dancing and a lunch time food sharing of dishes from around the world.
Quotes from women who attended the day:
"This has been the best day-what a treat!"
"Can we come back here? I can't wait to come back here and bring my family"
"A lot of the ladies that attended and myself included- all really enjoyed themselves. I remember I was speaking to someone after watching the film- and she said that it was 'artistic and reached the soul'. I was thinking-a lot was said-even though there were no voices or narration in the film. Also wonderful idea of food sharing-we all got a taste of a variety from different cultures. It was a wonderful day with interesting activities and I met some lovely people."
View pictures from the day
Working in partnership with Wakefield District City of Sanctuary and Towngate Primary School, Ossett, YSP celebrated Refugee Week 2011 with a special workshop on 23 June 2011. 28 Year 6 pupils from Towngate Primary School visited YSP to explore and celebrate cultural diversity in Wakefield as part of Refugee Week through games, discussion, role play and drama in the unique setting of YSP.
The aim of the workshop was to give young people a chance to explore their own feelings about moving to a new school and also to consider, understand and empathise with young people who have not only had to move schools but move country.