University first in the North West to be awarded ‘sanctuary’ status

30 Jul 2019

The award recognises our work supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the community

The University is the first university in the North West to be awarded sanctuary status under an initiative which celebrates institutions that welcome asylum seekers and refugees into their communities and promote a culture of inclusion. 

The status, which was also awarded to the Manchester Museum - which is only the second museum of sanctuary nationwide - recognises that we have demonstrated a commitment to welcoming and supporting ‘sanctuary seekers’ and pledged to develop this further over the next three years.

Our award was collected by Gulwali Passarlay, a refugee from Afghanistan and alumnus of the University who completed our Manchester Access Programme whilst in sixth form.

One of the ways in which the University is addressing the challenges faced by asylum seekers in accessing higher education is through the Article 26 Scholarships which provide five fully-funded places to study at the University.

Stephanie Lee, Head of Widening Participation at the University, said: "We are making the University more accessible through the provision of study space at our Library and our Article 26 Scholarships. This award provides us with another opportunity to create better awareness of the existing work we do as well as continue to develop and improve our support."

An open meeting for staff interested in finding out more about this work will be held on Thursday, 12 September 12pm – 1pm in A101, the Samuel Alexander Building.