The population of Cambridgeshire, like all areas of England, has experienced migration of people coming from non-UK countries. People have come to live, study, work or seek asylum for many years. Some migrants are now long-established in Cambridgeshire communities while others are recent arrivals.
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To ensure that we are a welcoming and supportive county, Cambridgeshire County Council aims to:
- Promote the principles of dignity and respect for all migrants and asylum seekers.
- Have a compassionate and welcoming response to asylum seekers, refugees and migrants. This includes our Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) in care.
- Play a key role in supporting asylum seekers, UASC and migrant residents. We provide direct services to signposting to specialist organisations and agencies.
- Provide a Place of Safety for migrants and Asylum seekers
Council of Sanctuary
In 2025, Cambridgeshire County Council was given the Council of Sanctuary award. This award, also given to our Library Service in July 2023 was awarded by City of Sanctuary UK. It is a network of organisations and services that work together across the country. They support refugees and people looking for asylum.
As a Council of Sanctuary we have committed to creating a welcoming environment for refugees and asylum seekers. We embed the values of compassion, solidarity, and inclusivity within our policies and practices. We work with community groups and organisations to support, integrate and provide a welcoming environment.
The council supports a diverse group of migrants and refugees. We ensure those seeking sanctuary have the resources and opportunities needed to rebuild their lives. This includes access to essential services, education, and employment. We promote community integration through initiatives delivered by council staff. We create a welcoming environment and build a sense of solidarity.
Along with this work, the council set up the Cambridgeshire Migration Forum in July 2024 with local partners. The forum helps to coordinate support. It identifies key priorities and engages with residents with lived experience. This is part of Cambridgeshire’s wider commitment to being a place of welcome and inclusion. Cambridgeshire County Council awarded Council of Sanctuary status
Public libraries help welcome people into our communities. They support refugees, migrants, people seeking sanctuary, and other new arrivals.
Libraries of Sanctuary explains how our services can support new arrivals. It also signposts to other organisations that offer information and support. This includes housing, internet access, learning English, finding a job and more.
