Exploring what it means to be a University of Sanctuary
26 Jun 2026
Colleagues and students came together on 18 June, during Refugee Week 2026, to explore what it means to be a University of Sanctuary — and how we can continue building a more inclusive and welcoming community across our University.
The event brought together colleagues from across the institution alongside students, academics, cultural organisations and charity partners from Greater Manchester. It created space to share experiences, reflect on current work, and consider how we can further strengthen a culture where everyone feels they belong.
Chaired by Julian Skyrme, Executive Director for Social Responsibility, the discussion highlighted how sanctuary work runs through many areas of University life — from research and teaching to cultural engagement and student support.
Dr Jonathan Gilmore (Senior Lecturer in International Politics) encouraged colleagues to think beyond sanctuary as simply providing safety, and instead as creating the conditions for people to thrive and feel a genuine sense of belonging.
Colleagues from our cultural institutions shared what this looks like in practice. At Manchester Museum, sanctuary seekers’ stories are embedded within exhibitions, helping to centre lived experiences and perspectives. At the Whitworth, trauma-informed staff training and partnership working are supporting a more welcoming and inclusive environment for visitors and participants.
The University’s Article 26 scholarships were also highlighted. These offer five fully funded undergraduate places each year for students who cannot access student finance due to their immigration status, alongside ongoing support throughout their studies. Emma Lewis-Kalubowila, Student Access, Success and Development Officer, reflected on the impact this support can have.
A powerful student perspective came from Nour, a biosciences student and Article 26 scholar, who shared her experience of seeking sanctuary and what the scholarship has meant for her:
“Safety allows you to exist, possibility allows you to imagine.”
Nour emphasised that Article 26 scholarships matter because “not only do they remove financial barriers, but because they change the conditions. They make it possible for you […] to make plans, to invest in a future that feels reachable.”
During the Q&A, she also shared how both colleagues and students can play a role in creating a more welcoming environment, highlighting how small, everyday gestures of inclusion can make a meaningful difference to how people feel and belong.
The event also connected attendees with local organisations including WeBelong, Refugees at Home, Manchester City of Sanctuary, MACC and Conversations Over Borders — offering practical opportunities for colleagues to learn more and get involved.
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