Established back in 12 November 2015, Northampton Town of Sanctuary (NToS) is a charity organisation that is creating a culture of welcome in our town. In 2016, we established our youth group named Learn2Live, or L2L. We aim to collaborate and partner with local groups and organisations in Northampton. We hope to engage local schools, faith groups, voluntary organisations and other members of the community who are interested. NToS works to build a town-wide movement of sanctuary for people seeking asylum and refugees.
Northampton Town of Sanctuary is a proud chapter of the national movement, City of Sanctuary, which started in Sheffield in 2007. It now involves over 50 cities and towns, with even some villages joining in.
Founder and former Councillor Danielle Stone says, “What we hope to do in Northampton is to get local organisations, businesses, schools, and colleges to pledge that they welcome refugees and will offer them a safe space and friendship.
We are aware that people are arriving in Europe traumatised through war, civil unrest, torture and rape. Refugees undertake the most perilous of journeys across deserts, mountains and seas – and sadly, as we see on our television screens, some do not survive. This winter, those reaching Europe and those in camps in Lebanon and elsewhere will be cold and hungry and in need of our help.
We have always been a welcoming town, and we will play our part when our turn comes to offer refugees sanctuary. We do not expect our numbers to be very great. It is the principle that is important. Simply put, NToS cares.
As we work with our communities to make Northampton a safer, cleaner, greener town, we can also make our home a welcoming town.
A town that extends the hand of friendship to those in need.”
Donate
Our dream is that, with your support, welcoming those seeking sanctuary will become the norm throughout society.
You can donate online via Peoples Fundraiing
