We are developing a new Sanctuary Strategy and Sanctuary Action Plan for 2025 to 2030.
Sanctuary seekers typically means asylum seekers and refugees, but includes anyone who has experienced forced migration, whatever their circumstances or the route they have taken.
The draft Sanctuary Strategy sets out three priorities that are to focus the efforts of officers, working with agencies and other groups, to ensure the city meets its legal duties whilst also being a place that fosters compassionate and resilient communities.
Visit Bristol Sanctuary Strategy 2025-2030 consultation to take part in the consultation.
The Strategy and Action Plan will be consulted on in September 2025. You can access the consultation when it is live on Ask Bristol.
The Sanctuary Strategy and Sanctuary Action Plan will be available here following the consultation in late 2025.
Information about refugees and asylum seekers in Bristol
Visit Information about Sanctuary Seekers in Bristol to learn more about:
- who sanctuary seekers are
- how Bristol supports sanctuary seekers
- how support for refugees and asylum seekers is funded
Outgoing Refugee and Asylum Seeker Inclusion Strategy
The Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Inclusion Strategy, what it includes and the latest progress report.
Read the pdf 2019-2024 Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Inclusion Strategy(361 KB) .
This strategy sets out how we, Bristol City Council, can support refugees and asylum seekers across all of our service areas and activities.
Read the pdf Progress report for the Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Inclusion Strategy(393 KB) .
This report provides a summary of progress made during the first year of the strategy's implementation.
Strategic Needs Assessment and review of health needs of asylum seekers and refugees
This Strategic Needs Assessment describes the needs of asylum seekers and refugees residing in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
The assessment take place in 2024 and was published at the start of 2025. Read the pdf Needs Assessment Refugees and Asylum Seekers in BNSSG(4.11 MB) .
Earlier in 2024, a review of the health needs of asylum seekers and refugees residing in Bristol took place to better understand the health profile of asylum seekers and refugees in Bristol. Read the pdf Review of Health Needs of Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Bristol(2.43 MB) .