On Tuesday 27th June Cardiff City of Sanctuary held a Networking Lunch for all of the organisations who support the Cardiff City of Sanctuary vision.
The focus of the lunch was to allow network members to have their say about the priorities for Cardiff City of Sanctuary in the near future.
People gathered in small groups around nine different tables with streams focussing on Destitution, Family Support and Family Reunion, Housing, Faith, Awareness Raising, Volunteering and Employment, Integration and Leadership. In a speed dating (or speed networking) fashion, attendees were asked to contribute ideas about what could be done to achieve Sanctuary goals in these areas, what resources we would need to do this, how things could change and be done differently, and importantly, what they could do personally or within their organisation to help.
After visiting all nine tables, attendees were asked to vote for their top three priority streams to focus on for the next six months. They were also asked to complete a pledge form to say what they as members of the Cardiff City of Sanctuary network would be able to deliver or contribute.
The event was a huge success with over 30 attendees, all of whom contributed a great deal of energy, information and ideas to each of the different streams. As well as allowing people to meet or reconnect with each other, the event focused the Cardiff City of Sanctuary network on the potential avenues for collective impact. We had a diverse representation – people came from a variety of sectors, including local and national charities, local government, the arts, universities, faith groups and health services, as well as a number of individuals including people who have been through the asylum seeking process in the UK.
With votes in, an amazing lunch cooked by Oasis volunteers was served (with cake!) and the top three streams voted for were revealed. For the next six months, Cardiff City of Sanctuary will focus on Awareness Raising, Volunteering & Employment, and Housing.
So what next? These will be the areas in which Cardiff City of Sanctuary will focus in the upcoming months. To have real impact in these areas, we are establishing a Leadership and Development Group of individuals who will be able to dedicate their time and energy to co-ordinating the network and moving things forward. We will not forget the other streams, and still welcome volunteers to develop these. The Leadership and Development Group will revisit Cardiff City of Sanctuary priorities on a regular basis and support progress in areas of work within the Cardiff City of Sanctuary network.
Do you want to see Cardiff City of Sanctuary achieving more than the sum of its parts? If you can offer time, energy and most importantly enthusiasm to the Cardiff City of Sanctuary Leadership and Development Group, please get in touch with Leila Usmani, Engagement and Training Officer via [email protected]. The Group will be meeting for the first time on Tuesday 1st August, 2-4pm and volunteers are very welcome. Please email Leila for more information.