Sheffield charity launches crowdfunding campaign to create 'more beautiful and innovative space' for sanctuary seekers

City of Sanctuary Sheffield has launched a crowdfunding campaign, called Supercharge The Sanctuary.

Like many other charities, it has been offering support virtually throughout the pandemic but it wants people to return to a space that is more impactful than before, once Covid restrictions allow.

Director of City of Sanctuary Sheffield, Thomas Martin said: “There is so much more we can do. We have been closed through the pandemic but we want to make it more beautiful and innovative than before. A space that when people return, they feel welcome, safe and listened to.”

He told how the charity has supported people both physically and emotionally throughout the pandemic - via the Virtual Sanctuary - from the loaning of laptops, to access to food, to mental health support.

Thomas described how there was “no replacement of being able to come in”, as it provides the opportunity to “share spaces and share life”.

He added: “We are really looking forward to opening up.”

A total of £6,000 is required to carry out the development work at City of Sanctuary Sheffield and a target of four weeks has initially been set to raise the amount.

Thomas is encouraging people to donate to the campaign, as they can be assured that it is “going into something good”.

He said: “When we come back, we want to come back stronger. We want to make a statement that the pandemic hasn't affected the work that we do.”

Plans will seek to create a more welcoming, useful, tailored, safe, and beautiful space for those who use the centre.

The total cost of the work will be £16,000, £10,000 of which has been funded with help from the Brelms Trust and the AB Charitable Trust.

Although the target amount to be raised is £6,000, Thomas believes “the more we get, the more we can do”.

Those who donate up to certain amounts have the additional benefit of gaining a limited-edition print, designed by Foodhall founder, Louis Pohl.

For more information or to make a donation towards Supercharge The Sanctuary, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/eafbdv-support-the-sanctuary