Deal Town Council awarded Council of Sanctuary status
Published: 03 October 2024

Deal Town Council has been awarded Council of Sanctuary status.
Deal is only the second town or parish council in the UK to receive the accreditation.
It has been awarded by
City of Sanctuary whose vision it is to create welcoming places of safety for all and sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution.
Deal Town Council began its journey to accreditation in 2020 and is working with local groups to ensure the ambitions of the council’s strategy are met.
The Mayor of Deal, Cllr Oliver Richardson will sign the accreditation at a special Charter Day celebration to be held at the Town Hall.
Charter Day falls on Sunday 13 October in 2024 and is Deal’s 325th birthday, marking independence from Sandwich and the introduction of the town motto ‘Adjuvate Advenas’, translated as ‘Welcome the Stranger’.
The Mayor said: “It seems fitting that as we celebrate our 325th anniversary and of welcoming the stranger, we officially sign our Council of Sanctuary status.
“We have a proud tradition of welcome and helping those in need and as we celebrate that history, we can look forward to strengthening our resolve to be even more inclusive.
“By signing the pledge we will build on work already done and look forward to building an even stronger community in Deal.”
Projects undertaken as part of the Town of Sanctuary pledge include the creation of community gardens, improved access to Town Hall facilities and grant funding for asylum seekers and refugees in Deal and local organisations who support them.
City of Sanctuary Local Authority lead, Maggie Filipova-Rivers, said: " I am thrilled that Deal Town Council has been recognised with a Sanctuary Award!
“This award is a testament to their commitment to building a compassionate and inclusive community where everyone, regardless of background, can find safety, support, and a sense of belonging.
“Their dedication to welcoming and supporting those seeking sanctuary is an inspiring example of how kindness and unity can strengthen us all."
You can learn more about Deal Town Council’s Council of Sanctuary work on the ‘
Welcome The Stranger’ web page.

The Mayor signing the accreditation at the Town Hall, witnessed by the Mayoress, Town Clerk, DARA, Cliffs of Sanctuary and the Samphire Project.