In October 2016, East Lindsey Area of Sanctuary (now Greater Lincolnshire Area of Sanctuary) received £1,000 from the Guardian newspaper’s City of Sanctuary appeal to support refugees. This enabled the group, based mainly in Louth and now reaching out into areas such as Scunthorpe), to develop its Sanctuary Breaks Scheme. Asylum seekers and refugees dispersed to Leeds, Leicester, and Wolverhampton are matched with host families in the Greater Lincolnshire area to spend a weekend or a week together. The host families learn about new cultures, share the English culture and language, and introduce their guests to the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside and award-winning beaches and market towns. The grant covered transport for five single people and seven families to enjoy 22 breaks.

Additionally, the grant enabled a befriending day in August 2017 between local King Edwards VI Grammar School students and young refugees from Leicester and Leeds. They participated in the international Paper People Project, enjoyed a lunch provided by volunteers at Spout Yard, and enjoyed perfect weather at Sutton on Sea. This befriending day was also partially funded by a generous grant from Louth Town Council to enable young people in the Louth area to learn more about the plight of asylum seekers and refugees in the UK.