City of Sanctuary Sheffield is an independent charity working in solidarity with people seeking sanctuary in Sheffield. In 2007, with the support of the City Council, Sheffield became the UK’s first City of Sanctuary for asylumseekers and refugees a city that takes pride in the welcome it offers to people in need of safety.
In 2023, the charity asked if I would take photographs for their annual report, capturing images of both their safe, welcoming and supportive space on Chapel Walk in the centre of Sheffield, as well as the multi-agency weekly drop in at the nearby Victoria Hall.
This project and other work with a refugee support centre in Halifax reflects my commitment to help change the narrative about global migration and the plight of asylum-seeking refugees. So, it is encouraging to receive feedback from the team in Sheffield who felt I ‘… managed to capture some really beautiful photos which capture the work we are trying to do.’
I hope so, because the work is increasingly important.
Gerard Liston
