Stronger Together Annual Conference on "What is SANCTUARY in 2025?"

Join Us for the Stronger Together Sanctuary Movement Conference

We are delighted to invite you to the Stronger Together Annual Conference, an event dedicated this year to exploring and advancing the Sanctuary Movement. This movement has been instrumental in pushing for more compassionate and inclusive policies, highlighting the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals and communities, and creating the best conditions for healing and thriving.

This conference will bring together people from all sectors, including advocates, policymakers, and community leaders, providing opportunities to discuss best practices in supporting people seeking sanctuary in Northern Ireland. It will be guided by the movement’s core principles of Learning, Embedding, and Sharing.

Event Highlights:

• Prominent Keynote Speakers: Gain insights from leading experts and practitioners in the field, including Dr. Veronica Crosbie, Chairperson of Places of Sanctuary Ireland, and Maggie Filipova-Rivers, Regional Coordinator and Local Authority Network Lead for UK Councils of Sanctuary.

• Panel Discussion with Lived Experience Guests: Hear firsthand stories from individuals who have experienced the challenges and triumphs of seeking sanctuary. This panel will provide unique perspectives and valuable lessons on the importance of compassionate and inclusive policies.

• Workshops on Various Strands of the Sanctuary Movement:

o Health: Learn about and discuss how to provide holistic support to sanctuary seekers around their unique health and wellbeing needs.

o Education: Discuss best practices for integrating sanctuary seekers into educational systems and promoting inclusive learning environments.

o Faith: Learn how faith communities contribute to efforts to make displaced individuals feel welcome and supported.

o Art: Explore the role of arts in supporting refugees and other people seeking refuge in Northern Ireland.

o Employment: Discuss how to ensure fair and equitable access to employment opportunities for sanctuary seekers.

o Housing: Find out how housing authorities ensure safe and inclusive housing for sanctuary seekers.

o Community Development: Discover how community groups can empower sanctuary-seeking individuals and build coalitions to support sanctuary initiatives.

o Libraries / Museums: Gain insights into how libraries and museums can become places of sanctuary.

Why Attend?

• Learn from lived experience guests, experts, frontline advocates, and practitioners.

• Engage in meaningful discussions on sanctuary policies and practices.

• Network with like-minded individuals and organizations.

Register Now: Secure your spot at the Stronger Together Annual Conference and be part of a movement that promotes dignity, safety, and justice for all.

We look forward to your participation and contribution to this important dialogue.

Organized by: Stronger Together Network in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast. This event is funded by the Public Health Agency.