East Lindsey Area of Sanctuary began in March 2017 as part of a campaign to lobby Lincolnshire County Council to ask the Home Office for its fair share of Syrian refugees (200) under the UK Resettlement Scheme. Their work quickly expanded to included Sanctuary Breaks, whereby local residents invite asylum seekers and refugees from Leeds and Leicester into their homes for short breaks. Guests enjoy the seaside, countryside walks, and exploring the award-winning market towns. They also get the chance to practice English. The interest from warm-hearted residents wasn’t confined to the East Lindsey district, however, and soon they accepted hosts from further afield.

Hence, in October 2018, the committee agreed to change the name to better reflect the geographical remit.

The Greater Lincolnshire Area of Sanctuary includes the counties of Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshshire and North East Lincolnshire.