The Octagon Unitarian Chapel gained a City of Sanctuary Award as a Place of Sanctuary in 2018 because of the work we were already doing to help refugees and asylum seekers in Norwich.

Members of the congregation pioneered the ‘Welcome Rucksack’ project, which gifts a backpack of essential items to new arrivals to the city. The chapel is also a part of the St. Martin’s Shoe Box Scheme which collects and distributes toiletries and kitchen equipment to those who need them.

The chapel also works in close collaboration with other Norwich City of Sanctuary groups. In December 2017, along with Framingham Earl High School, The Octagon produced ‘Have Hope’ a fundraising concert in aid of New Routes, a Norwich based charity which supports the integration of refugees and asylum seekers into the local community. In total £2400 was raised.

In September 2018, working in close partnership with our good friends at Amnesty International Norwich, The Octagon produced ‘New Beginnings’ a fundraising event in aid of the New Routes Women’s Group. In total £600 was raised. 

If you care passionately about supporting asylum seekers and refugees and would like to work in partnership with us then get in touch. We’d love to hear form you. 

https://norwich.cityofsanctuary.org