Garden of Sanctuary

A massive congratulations to Hempen Cooperative on receiving the ‘Garden of Sanctuary’ award from Reading City of Sanctuary. The award celebration event took place on Tuesday 25th January. near Mapledurham in Oxfordshire. It was fantastic to come together and for collaborators to connect with Reading’s Refugee Solidarity network. The amazing Hempen team even provided some delicious home-made biscuits to mark the occasion! Thank you to everyone that joined us, it was lovely to see you.

What is the ‘Garden Of Sanctuary’ Award?

The ‘Garden of Sanctuary’ award provides recognition for community-growing spaces that implement practices to create safe and equal spaces for those seeking sanctuary. Hempen cooperative has been incredible allies to refugees in the local area. Their ‘Growing Solidarity’ outreach project has provided refugees and asylum seekers with weekly sessions on their farm and in surrounding green spaces. The weekly sessions focus on interactive ways to grow, eat and share food. while also reaping the benefits for mental health by being in nature.

Reading City of Sanctuary

Following our bid for Reading to become a City of Sanctuary back in 2014, Reading City of Sanctuary has been our second arm, working with local organizations to encourage the learning and practice of sanctuary principles within their ethos.

Get involved 

It would be great to see even more green spaces providing a sanctuary for our refugee community here in Reading. Also who doesn’t enjoy an excuse for a celebration and delicious homemade nibbles?! To find out more about becoming involved with RCOS, please contact:

Maggie Filipova-Rivers
Manager, Reading City Of Sanctuary
info@reading.cityofsanctuary.org