Helping to make Cambridge a safe place for those seeking sanctuary

The Cambridge Trust is proud to be supporting an application by the University of Cambridge to the City of Sanctuary organisation to become recognised as a welcoming institution for refugees and those seeking sanctuary.

Last Friday, the Trust convened students and colleagues, who have an interest in making Cambridge a place of safety, solidarity and empowerment, for a discussion at Pembroke College.

The Trust’s former Chair, Dr Rowan Williams, reflected on the importance of academic study and research as enablers of critical thinking, which he argued is particularly important in troubled times.

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Sustainability, Professor Bhaskar Vira, spoke about the Trust’s long history of enabling people who have experienced conflict or instability, or have been displaced, to study at the University.

Helen Pennant, the Trust’s Director, outlined the sensitive and rigorous methodology the Trust has developed to ensure that people with these experiences, who gain admission to Cambridge, have the necessary financial support to take up their places. She thanked the students attending the event:

The Trust hopes that by being part of a city-wide and national network committed to creating sanctuary, it will be able to share learning about how to effectively respond to the needs of people who have been displaced, and to continue to learn from others.

13th March 2025