CARLISLE has come together to celebrate Refugee Week, with the aim of showcasing the city's 'commitment to providing a safe haven' for those seeking refuge.
During Refugee Week, which ran from June 19 - 25, Carlisle's Refugee Action Group (CRAG) brought the community together for two events, recognising those who help support people seeking asylum as well as a celebration of new friendships made along the way.
On Thursday June 22, a special celebration evening was held, allowing community groups to present certificates to those who have helped open doors for those in need.
Continuing the festivities, on Sunday, June 25, Carlisle's Great Get Together took place in Tribe Bitts Park, bringing with it over 300 attendees.
CRAG'S Adrienne Gill said the day brought together groups of all ages and backgrounds for a day full of food, music, dance and activities.
"It was a wonderful, vibrant, affirming event, celebrating many of the cultures living and working in the city, good food, music and new friendships.
"Over 300 people visited Tribe, enjoying the event and each other’s company over the afternoon, proving once again, in the words of the late Jo Cox MP, that we all have more in common than that which divides us," she said.
City of Sanctuary, a charity that supports refugee groups across the country, praised the Carlisle network for welcoming over 500 people to the city over recent years.
"We are so incredibly impressed and proud of the phenomenal work being done by Carlisle City of Sanctuary.
"Over the last few years, this team has gone from welcoming 0 to over 500 individuals from war-torn countries and unsafe regimes around the world from Syria to Afghanistan and Sudan, Ukraine to Eritrea and Iran.
"Because of the warm welcome Carlisle City of Sanctuary gave these families, they have managed to thrive in the city, forming a vibrant community of people who live, grow, work, study and run their own businesses.
"This is what City of Sanctuary is all about, city by city, community by community, we are building a more welcoming UK for people forced to flee," they said.
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