What is Sanctuary Stopping

Sanctuary Stopping is a way for Churches to participate in 'Negotiated Stopping' and by doing so help increase the number of places where Gypsy Roma Traveller peoples may stop over legally and safely

Negotiated Stopping was developed by the Gypsy-Traveller organisation, LeedsGATE, working with Local Authorities, communities, police and other agencies.

Negotiated Stopping agrees which land can be used for temporary stopping with Gypsy Traveller folk and the landowner, including duration of stay and sometimes contribution to costs.

The Local Authority provides the necessary facilities (e.g. Water, temporary toilets, refuse collection), monitoring and offers opportunity for health and welfare checks/contact with support services. 

Models similar to this already exist, e.g. Durham Country Council provides temporary stop-over sites at peak times of travelling demand, for example spring/summer, with similar facilities. 

Such sites vary in size, including laybys, car parks and industrial estate land but there is limited availability.