The UK’s first and leading Theatre Company of Sanctuary, Stand and Be Counted from Sheffield is helping people such as refugees, asylum seekers and new migrants have a safe space where they can be creative whilst creating positive social change.

The SBC’s Theatre Company describe themselves as proudly sitting at “the intersection of arts, culture & social activism.” They use art and theatre as a form of creating social justice. With an activist mindset at the heart of everything they do, encouraging others to create equal opportunity for everyone. 

The Theatre company which was founded in 2010, hosts the Youth group every Saturday evening. They share a meal and encourage sanctuary seekers to come along, create a performance, make new friends and practice english.

Alison Abankwa, one of the facilitators at SBC said: “Here at SBC and also at Montgomery it’s all about empowering young people, giving them a space to find their creative flow.”

The SBC’s Youth Theatre of Sanctuary had an event at The Montgomery a few months ago where they displayed their creations. This involved the children working with Alex Bennett, who is a paper engineer and illustrator based in Yorkshire, to create a storyline and illustrated pop-up book. The Montgomery is also the UK’s first Theatre of Sactuary.

Alex Bennett said: “I think we ended up with something that reflects all of the children’s input but also that reflects SBC’s values and The Montgomery’s values, and that it’s a welcoming space for everyone.”

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