Lambeth's sanctuary seeker support strategy is showing significant progress, with key actions completed and services being enhanced to better support those seeking refuge in the borough.
The Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee received an update on the council's Borough of Sanctuary Strategy, which was published in March 2026 following the borough's successful re-accreditation in December 2025. The strategy, developed with input from individuals with lived experience, aims to improve support for asylum seekers and refugees and amplify their voices.
Of the 27 actions outlined in the strategy's accompanying action plan, 15 have been completed, nine are in progress, and three are considered at risk.
Key achievements include the establishment of new accommodation partnerships, strengthened homelessness prevention, and the resettlement of Afghan and Medical Evacuation scheme families. The report highlighted progress in communications and awareness, with clearer information available to residents and partners, and improved access to education, skills, and employment opportunities.
Sanctuary seekers shared positive experiences of resettlement in Lambeth, highlighting support with accommodation and language classes, though acknowledging the ongoing challenge of language barriers. To address these, Lambeth is implementing several steps: creating a single, multilingual access point for key information, using clear process maps for welcome, integration, and move-on, expanding interpreting and translated materials across services, and delivering trauma-informed communication training for staff. Furthermore, entry-level ESOL capacity is being increased, access barriers such as travel support are being removed, and community-based conversation clubs and peer-led practice opportunities are being established. Translated documents for key support options like housing are being developed, alongside simplified executive summaries of the strategy and action plan. Inclusive health information outlining essential NHS services and how to access them is also being translated and distributed. The Welcome Project
supports sanctuary seekers with integration and daily living skills, including ESOL-friendly topics, and sanctuary services run drop-in centres that act as information hubs.
Progress in Sanctuary Services
The committee heard that significant strides have been made in various areas. In terms of accommodation and integration, three out of six actions are complete, with new and existing housing partnerships and improved homelessness prevention widening move-on options. Welcome and Accommodation Guides are available in five languages, and 16 Afghan residents and three Medical Evacuation families have been resettled. Education, skills, and employment have also seen progress, with two local schools accredited as Schools of Sanctuary and digital skills and ESOL provision being delivered.
Safeguarding actions are complete, with stronger multi-agency working between Lambeth Sanctuary Services, Adult and Children's Social Care, accommodation providers, and the Home Office. While two out of three actions for young people are complete, the Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) age dispute remains an area of risk. This is due to uncertainties around roles, escalation, and decision-making processes. Children's Social Care is actively working with partners to address these concerns through regular meetings, an age assessment audit tool, and feedback on the age assessment protocol to strengthen clarity and support consistent, child-centred practice.
Health and Wellbeing Initiatives
All four actions related to health and wellbeing remain in progress. The Safe Surgeries
programme has reached 37 GP practices in Lambeth, aiming to make primary care more accessible for those facing barriers. The programme, run by Doctors of the World UK, is designed to address barriers to healthcare, though specific details on how it tackles the unique challenges faced by sanctuary seekers or its initial impact beyond the number of practices reached were not provided.
Mental health and wellbeing services are also being explored, alongside existing outreach and referral routes. The report noted that the council is fully funded through central government grants for these services, with specific conditions on their use. These grants are designated to support people seeking sanctuary who arrive through safe and legal routes, meaning funding may not apply to those arriving through other means. While there are tight conditions on what money can be spent, the council assures that services are not quality checking individuals and are open to all, regardless of their immigration status or eligibility for public funds. Adults with social care needs and children are covered by existing legislation, ensuring their needs are met.
Councillor David Oxley raised concerns about the at risk
status of actions related to UASC age dispute cases. Sanctuary manager Ed Walters explained the complexity of the area. Councillor Oxley also inquired about the funding for sanctuary seekers, and it was clarified that services are primarily funded through central government grants. Another identified risk is the reliance on this central government grant funding, which could be reduced, impacting service delivery. Lambeth Sanctuary Services (LSS) has managed its finances to mitigate the impact of sudden funding loss and will adapt its offer to new financial landscapes. The third risk is the lack of timely feedback on safeguarding outcomes, which is being addressed through targeted training, engagement with partners, a new three-year strategic safeguarding plan, and a steady fall in new safeguarding concerns.
The committee noted the progress made and the importance of the Borough of Sanctuary initiative, with key takeaways including exploring grant conditions for more joined-up ESOL provision, improving accessibility, and continuing investment in community organisations supporting sanctuary seekers.
More information on the committee's agenda and reports can be found in the Public reports pack.