Tuesday 16th June 2026, 3.30pm and 6pm.
Wellington House, 43 Market Street, Barnsley S70 1WA.
Everyone is welcome to an open meeting to be addressed by Inderjit Bhogal, founder and President of City of Sanctuary.
The first 30 minutes of the meeting will include informal networking with a chance to have conversations with one another, a cup of tea and a bite to eat. Inderjit will begin speaking at 4pm for roughly 40 minutes and then take questions. There will follow some short presentations by people with lived experience and a representative of the Refugee Council. The meeting will end with a further opportunity to chat and network and another cup of tea and cake.
The essence of the event is a focus on the continuing challenge to achieve recognition, acceptance and support for the work with the migrant community in a climate of growing antipathy and hostile responses.
“I have heard Inderjit speak before. His words are so inspiring. If you go to just one talk this year, I recommend this is the one you should attend” – Steve Ruffle Secretary of Barnsley Borough City of Sanctuary
This meeting has been organised jointly between Barnsley Borough City of Sanctuary and Barnsley Refugee Council (BRAP). For more information email Barnsley City of Sanctuary or phone 07949575113.
Refugee Week
This is one of many events being organised in Barnsley to celebrate Refugee Week which takes place from 15–21 June 2026. It is the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and courage of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. It brings people together through thousands of events and activities, from performances and talks to exhibitions, community gatherings and creative projects. A community-powered festival, it is shaped by individuals, artists, schools, libraries, venues, local authorities, cultural institutions and grassroots organisations. Founded in the UK in 1998, it takes place every June alongside World Refugee Day (20 June) and has since grown into a global movement with over 2 million participants, across over 20 countries.
Information about other Refugee Week events in Barnsley can be found on the Barnsley City of Sanctuary website.
About Rev Dr Inderjit Singh Bhogal OBE
Inderjit is a leading Theologian and Methodist Minister. Retiring in 2018, Inderjit is currently working with Churches Together in Britain and Ireland to develop and promote the idea of Church of Sanctuary and has been the minister of Wincobank Chapel since 1994. Inderjit is founder and President of City of Sanctuary, a former President of the Methodist Conference, former Leader/CEO of the Corrymeela Community and former CEO of Yorkshire and Humber Faiths Forum. Inderjit is also President of the Methodist Peace Fellowship.