Bolton proud to be place of safety for refugees

City of Sanctuary is a national movement committed to providing a place of safety for those fleeing war and persecution and people and organisations in Bolton are becoming part of the movement as the world faces the worst refugee crisis since World War II.

Bolton Against Racism says by becoming a "City of Sanctuary" the town will build on its reputation of offering a home to people whose lives were at risk in their own countries and in return those people have brought new "skills, music, food and hard work" to the borough.

The bid was launched on Thursday night, following a vigil in Victoria Square to remember those who had lost their lives in the terrorist attack in Lahore, Pakistan.

Julia Simpkin of Bolton Against Racism, who chaired the launch meeting, said: “We want Bolton to always be a welcoming place for refugees and to ensure that the vulnerable, destitute and victims of hate crime in Bolton are supported by a strong network of local people and community groups.”

City of Sanctuary supporters in Bolton include Bolton at Home, the Octagon Theatre, Bolton Council of Mosques, Bolton Wanderers Community Trust, Bolton CVS, Urban Outreach, British Red Cross, BRASS and a range of churches and community groups.

Supporting organisations pledge to welcome and include people seeking sanctuary in their activities.

City of Sanctuary’s network of local groups includes over 50 towns and cities across the UK and Ireland.

The local group is appealing for more local organisations and individuals to help in making Bolton "proud to be a place of safety".

Talks and events will be held to bring Bolton people together, to fundraise and recruit volunteers.

Anyone who would like to be involved in making Bolton a safer and more welcoming town is asked to contact: Bolton City of Sanctuary, c/o 16 Wood Street, Bolton BL1 1DY, email info@bolton.cityofsanctuary.org or on Twitter @WelcomeBolton. More information can be found on www.cityofsanctuary.org