“Somewhere beyond right and wrong, there is a garden. I will meet you there.” My friend, Mohsen – who was one of four refugees sharing their experiences at the Sanctuary Social Justice Lecture, hosted by Leeds Trinity University at the Leeds Playhouse last month - relayed this Rumi quote to the audience. It encapsulated everything I believe we should all be striving for especially as Leeds Trinity University works towards becoming a University of Sanctuary - a national network of working to make Higher Education institutions places of safety, solidarity and empowerment for people seeking sanctuary. 

‘Sanctuary’ was the first of five Social Justice Lectures in the University’s Autumn/Winter Series. The series shines a light on experiences of life, war, displacement, trauma and injustices through the lens of social justice. 

I have come to know Emily, Diana, Mohsen and Fathelrahman, the four on stage that evening, due to the incredible work being done by Rose McCarthy – a founder of the Leeds City of Sanctuary and Horsforth Town of Sanctuary and someone who advocates endlessly for refugees. 

Now living in Leeds, all four have different and difficult accounts of their own experiences.   

Fathelrahman told us of his life as a child having been arrested as a bargaining tool for his father in Sudan and making that treacherous journey to the UK by boat, leaving everything he knew, his home and everyone he loved behind. 

Emily sang a beautiful song from her childhood in Zimbabwe, the country she fled due to violence, and the audience joined in. The power of music is universal, it places people in the heart of memories that are shared by communities across the globe. 

In addition to each speaker’s shared experience of trauma, they were all united by a memorable glimmer, a moment of hope. They felt seen, even with the pain and joy, love and fear, and resilience that comes with being a refugee in today’s world.  

These moments, which may seem insignificant to many people who have lived a life of safety, security and protection, gave them hope. 

For Diana, it was the endless hot chocolate from one maternity nurse during a very long and solitary labour in a UK hospital. Unable to speak English, feeling alone, scared, in pain, confused and often left for long periods at a time, it was that small random act of kindness and interaction with another being that made her smile and feel the warmth of hope.  

For Mohsen it was the kindness of Philomena, a volunteer from Horsforth Town of Sanctuary, who found him a pair of shoes in his size and left him a note with them apologising that they weren’t new. Mohsen keeps that letter in his wallet as a reminder of the power of kindness and how it made him feel seen. 

What struck me about the evening was that all four overwhelmingly felt these ‘glimmers’ of hope had positively contributed towards reminding them of the humanity in the world.  

An exhibition outside the theatre space showed images of individual female refugee experiences and gave an update as to where they were now. Many of them are now working for charities and the NHS highlighting exactly how they have used their experiences to help others, to make the world a better place. 

The audience asked some powerful and sensitive questions. One question was ‘How can Universities use their power to influence real change? 

It was a question I answered as it relates to the work I do in my role with Leeds Trinity and aligns with the University’s ambition and values in creating a safe space for all with a focus on equality, inclusivity and social justice.  

As a university, we have a responsibility to give back to the community, to share our resources, to open our doors and be inclusive and accessible. You can find out more about our Equity, Social Justice and Belonging strategy via the University website.  

Susan Wilcock is the Social Justice Project Co-ordinator in the Office for Institutional Equity at Leeds Trinity University.