85 sanctuary seekers were celebrated at Tower Hamlets Council’s Sanctuary Seekers Awards ceremony on Wednesday 17 December.
The event brought together participants, community leaders, and partners to recognise individuals who have successfully completed education, learning, and volunteering opportunities.
Certificates were presented by Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth, and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Maium Talukdar, recognising the dedication and personal growth of sanctuary seekers in the borough. Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Cllr Abu Talha Chowdhury, also attended to celebrate the awardees.
Cllr Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth, and Lifelong Learning, said:
“Our Sanctuary Seekers Awards are a celebration of resilience and hope. Today we honour individuals who have embraced education and volunteering as pathways to a brighter future.
“Tower Hamlets remains committed to being a Borough of Sanctuary, where everyone has the chance to thrive.”
Cllr Abu Talha Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said:
“This event reflects the strength of our community and the values we hold in Tower Hamlets – compassion, inclusion, and opportunity. By recognising these achievements, we send a clear message that Tower Hamlets welcomes those seeking sanctuary.”
The celebration underscores the borough’s role as a welcoming and inclusive borough, aligned with the Borough of Sanctuary initiative and the council’s upcoming local resettlement strategy.
By highlighting achievements in education and volunteering, the event demonstrates the borough’s proactive approach to creating opportunities for sanctuary seekers to thrive.
The Sanctuary Seekers Awards builds on the success of the council’s Welcome Hub, which offers holistic support including housing advice, ESOL classes, and digital inclusion. These efforts reflect the council’s ongoing commitment to fostering resilient communities and supporting those seeking sanctuary.
Posted on Monday 5th January 2026