Stand with the other side of hope to amplify migrant voices

“This literary magazine is a gift to us all.”

-- Sally Hayden, author of My Fourth Time, We Drowned

the other side of hope is the home of the migrant writers and poets of the world, and the UK’s first ever literary magazine of Sanctuary, accredited by City of Sanctuary UK.

Since 2021, we publish words from the poorly lit corners of literature: fiction, poetry and narrative non-fiction by migrant writers. Your support will help us continue to be a unique platform for these talented writers, inspiring and empowering them to share their stories.

Our migrant-led, independent, non-affiliated, not-for-profit publications are created for those who play against all odds – the asylum seeker, the refugee, the immigrant.

We publish those who are being talked about in the news but who are rarely given a platform to express themselves, their feelings and talent, their words.

In standing with us, you are directly contributing to a mission that uplifts the narratives of migrant writers and poets.

About our work

“Essential, illuminating and powerful… the other side of hope brings to light the lives that the world often prefers to ignore.”

-- Junot Díaz, Pulitzer Prize Winner for his novel The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Over eight issues in print and online we have published over 350 migrant writers from around the world. We have donated over 2,100 hard copies to refugee centres, hotels with new arrivals and public libraries of sanctuary. Our publications, featured in worldwide libraries and university collections, are not just gaining recognition, but also amplifying the voices of the displaced, bringing their stories to a global audience.

Alongside our English issues, since last year we have been publishing the “Other Tongue, Mother Tongue” issue: poetry in various languages, alongside English translations, which cover over 60 languages.

Our hope is through these voices to counteract the hateful narratives around refugees and immigrants so we may build a kinder society.

Why we need you to stand with us

In the past four years, we have never asked for financial support. We have been successful in securing funding. But this year we cannot find the match-funding required to support our funding application. The money raised from this crowdfunding campaign will be used as a match-funding, and more importantly, if our bid is unsuccessful, we will use these funds to continue publishing for at least one more year. The funds will go towards printing and paying our contributors. Our team is dedicated and, as every year, are happy to work additional hours voluntarily, where necessary, to enable completion of the work.

Your support for us is crucial so that the other side of hope can keep producing beautiful publications in print and online.

Your donation, whether £10, £100, or £1,000, will help us continue this project. If you are unable to give, you can still make a difference by sharing this campaign with others.

Thank you all,

the other side of hope

“At long last a serious publication dedicated to the voices of people who have moved. the other side of hope reaches across divides, and platforms the voices that urgently need to be heard, bringing us together as neighbours - as humans.”

-- City of Sanctuary UK