Portsmouth City of Sanctuary has partnered with organisations and venues across the City to welcome people seeking sanctuary to a place of safety. Shops, businesses, libraries, faith groups and education providers have taken part in the Spaces of Sanctuary SoS project.

We initiated the SoS project, following a city-wide survey, to develop a network of private and public sector spaces throughout the City. PCoS trained their staff to support and respond to the needs of anyone seeking safety, in a dignified manner, and signposted them to services where appropriate.

Read about SoS in Portsmouth News.

Portsmouth City of Sanctuary delivered seven training modules based on the results from the city-wide survey. The modules covered and responded to racism, homo and transphobia, sexual violence and harassment, as well as supporting Autistic and neurodivergent people, and those with poor mental health.

The SoS project went on to complement another collaborative project called Safer Streets aimed at tackling Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG), where further training was delivered to venues.