A Church of Sanctuary
We believe we should be a place of safety for all; offering welcome and hospitality to people fleeing violence and persecution, and supporting our congregation to learn about sanctuary in the UK and how to extend welcome in the wider community. We support the City of Sanctuary movement and have received a Church of Sanctuary Award.
Find out more about the City of Sanctuary movement here https://cityofsanctuary.org/
As a Welcome Churches network church we respond to referrals for refugees and asylum seekers as they move around the UK.
No Refugee Alone – Welcome Churches
Farsi Speaking Ministry
We have Farsi speaking members of staff and a Farsi speaking small group who meet together to grow faith, study scripture, and to pray.
Get in touch here https://greyfriars.org.uk/smallgroups/
Refugee Resettlement
We are community sponsors in the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme, working with the Home Office to welcome, house and resettle a family effected by the Syrian crisis.
Find out more about refugee resettlement here https://resetuk.org/
Atrium Drop-in
In partnership with Reading City of Sanctuary we run a drop-in at the Atrium 2pm – 4pm on a Friday. This a safe space offering welcome, hospitality and support to all those who are seeking sanctuary.
Find out more about Reading City of Sanctuary here https://refugeesupportgroup.org.uk/reading-city-of-sanctuary/
Conversational Kitchen
Conversational Kitchen is a conversational English class with lunch afterwards, cooked by people from the Sanctuary Seeker Community.
Lessons and lunch are free and aimed at anyone who wants to improve their English and would like to make friends with other international people.
The class runs on Tuesdays 11am-1:30pm (term-time only) at the Greyfriars Centre, Greyfriars Church.
If you are interested in volunteering or attending please contact Laura Humphreys: conversationalkitchen@greyfriars.org.uk for more information.
Sanctuary Café
At a Sanctuary Café, you can buy a hot drink or snack on top of your order so a sanctuary seeker can enjoy these for free. Our prayer is that, having been moved by God’s grace ourselves, we in turn will respond with these small acts of kindness and generosity.
Find out more about the Atrium here https://greyfriars.org.uk/atrium/
Get Involved this Ministry
PRAY – Pray for the ministry and outreach to refugees and asylum seekers coming to the UK and to Reading.
HELP – at the Atrium Drop-in 2-4pm on a Friday. Come and have coffee, a chat and show God’s hospitality to those fleeing violence and persecution. Training provided, no experience needed! Contact sanctuary@greyfriars.org.uk
