Blackburn with Darwen has a proud heritage of welcoming and integrating refugees locally. We want to continue by building a culture of hospitality, warmth, and safety to those who have to leave their homes and countries to escape persecution and violence, and seek sanctuary. Blackburn with Darwen is part of this national movement now. This initiative has been taken by the YMCA Community Champions group and other committed individuals, but the people of Blackburn with Darwen Borough and around are showing a lot of support and encouragement. The group was formally launched on Wednesday 19 April 2018.