OVERVIEW

Our Mission

Interested in becoming a Theatre Company of Sanctuary? Keen to join the Welcome movement? Looking for work experience or volunteering/placement opportunities? Want to apply for our latest call outs and commissions? 

We are always on the lookout for new collaborators!

WHO

Be A Part of Our Future

We are committed to using our platform to promote social justice. We are proud to be part of a community actively pushing for a better quality of life and understanding for every single one of us. Our doors are always open. Below are some of our ideas of how we can work together, got another idea? We’d love to hear from you.

WHAT

bridging the gap

Statutory Support for people seeking sanctuary focuses on the very basics of physical health and housing. We know there is an important relationship between the arts and wellbeing. By providing safe, social spaces to learn and create together free from targets and judgement we can ensure people enjoy themselves, have the tools to manage daily stress and confidently represent themselves.

WHY

Why theatre and arts

Art allows us to see the world from all kinds of perspectives. It can elevate and champion people who have been ignored. It can offer a fun day out and bring a room full of people together to make a difference.

WE CAN VALUES

  • PLATFORM THE EXPERTS

    It is vital that audiences hear from those with lived experience. This is how we deepen understanding and challenge perspectives.

  • TRUTH TO POWER

    By challenging perspectives, we can challenge policies. The more of us working together, to educate and empower, the better chance we have of influencing decision-makers.

  • INSTIGATE CHANGE

    Art invokes emotion, we need everyone to care and understand these issues. Art connects people and amplifies all that we share. And changing the world should be fun!

  • BE THE CHANGE

    When our communities are welcoming and supportive, punitive measures such as hostile environment policies are disrupted.

  • THIS IS URGENT

    We can’t afford to wait to make a difference, every act of welcome big or small matters. Make moves today.

Spread the Facts

There is so much that isn’t known or understood about how the immigration process in the UK really works. Being informed, genuinely listening and making space for discussion is the only way that we can make sure people’s experiences are never dismissed or manipulated.

KEY TERMS

  • A term that creates space and acceptance for all people who need protection, regardless of status or individual circumstance.

  • legal term for a person who asks another country for protection.

  • legal term for someone who has been granted protection by another country.

  • A person who has moved to (immigrant) or from (emigrant) a different country.

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01.

ASYLUM SEEKERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO WORK AND ARE NOT ENTITLED TO BENEFITS FOR THE FIRST TWO YEARS IN THE UK. OFTEN THEY WORK FOR FREE IN EXCHANGE FOR ACCOMMODATION, THIS IS LEGALLY RECOGNISED AS SLAVERY.

(Refugee Council)

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02.

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN ‘ILLEGAL’ ASYLUM SEEKER. UNDER INTERNATIONAL LAW, ANYONE HAS THE RIGHT TO APPLY FOR ASYLUM IN ANY COUNTRY THAT HAS SIGNED THE 1951 CONVENTION.

(Refugee Council)

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03.

ASYLUM SEEKERS ARE GIVEN £35.75 PER WEEK BY THE GOVERNMENT ON WHICH TO SURVIVE. THIS WAS INCREASED BY ONLY 26P A DAY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

(UN Refugee Agency)

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04.

BRITAIN IS THE ONLY COUNTRY IN EUROPE WITHOUT A STATUTORY TIME LIMIT FOR THE DETENTION OF IMMIGRANTS. THIS SYSTEM FACES FIERCE CRITICISM FROM THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL AND BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION FOR VIOLATING HUMAN RIGHTS.

OUR STORY

Stand and Be Counted make campaign theatre with a proud record for welcoming new audiences to the theatre. Our work is adventurous and highly political, merging lived experience with new ideas. We believe that theatre is a vital tool in the pursuit of positive social change and justice. Art is activism and by changing hearts and minds we will change policy.