Skip to main content

Portsmouth City of Sanctuary (PCoS) is an award-winning grass-roots humanitarian organisation helping local asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in Portsmouth, Gosport and the surrounding areas.

2023 AGM announcement

Everyone is welcome to attend our next AGM to be held at 1.30pm on Monday 9th October 2023 at All Saints Church, 334 Commercial Road, PO1 4BT.

Information

To view Information about our charity, such as newsletters, previous AGM’s, Impact Reports and policy documents, view Information webpage.

Court of Appeal Ruling – Rwanda

On the 29th June we welcomed a massive advance for human rights, hope and compassion. Many will have seen the Court of Appeal ruling that HMG’s plan to send refugees to Rwanda is unlawful.

The appeal verdict has affirmed what Portsmouth humanitarians already knew: the deal with Rwanda is deeply immoral and contrary to our nation’s hard-fought-for laws. Even if the case is taken to the Supreme Court, we will continue welcoming and supporting survivors of torture and persecution in their healing journey.

Many PCoS and partner clients struggle to disclose harrowing experiences within a Home Office process that moves either incredibly slowly, or at breakneck speed – and with few safeguards to ensure threats of removal can be safely challenged.

Rwanda presents a petrifying spectre for refugees. This latest ruling means a little less fear for all of them, at least for now.

Volunteer

We are currently looking for English teachers to help run our English classes at St Luke’s Church. Are you a qualified teacher and would you like to help? Contact [email protected].

If you would like to volunteer in other ways supporting refugees and asylum seekersin Portsmouth, we welcome volunteers for our Refugee Hub. Please email a CV and covering letter to [email protected] if you would like to find out more.

Awards

 

Portsmouth City of Sanctuary won the Hampshire High Sheriff Award for our work in the city with refugees and asylum seekers. The award was collected by our Trustees Denise Callender, David Handley and Patience Mutunami. We would like to thank all staff, volunteers and supporting organisations who go above and beyond to make Portsmouth a safe and welcoming place for everyone.