Update on the Settle group 2022

After over 4yrs since we first started preparations and fundraising to resettle a refugee family forcibly displaced by the conflict in Syria, the Settle project has now closed.  August 19^th is  the 3^rd anniversary of their arrival when over 30 volunteers were involved in helping and supporting them in their new home. 

 The family here in Settle have been very much aware of just how many people have been either directly involved or shown a supportive interest in the ReSETTLEment project. I hope some of you have had the good fortune to meet them and chat. Many of their friends are from the volunteer group and of course those friendships will continue.

They have recently moved to Bradford after 3 good years in Settle.

Some history  

We were the first  group in North Yorkshire operating under the Home Office Community Sponsorship scheme and are keen to encourage other groups to form. More than 150 groups across the country have now welcomed families with many more applying and developing plans.

Contacts

Reset is a part of Citizens UK devoted exclusively to refugee resettlement (https://resetuk.org/community-sponsorship).

There is more information about Community Sponsorship following the links from https://www.gov.uk/government/news/community-sponsorship-scheme-launched-for-refugees-in-the-uk

How Community Sponsorship works

Each group needs to either become a registered charity or be sponsored by an established charity which takes responsibility for the agreement with the Home Office. The sponsor provides safeguarding expertise, training and checks, facilitates a bank account, governance and background support.

The group takes direct responsibility for:

• fund raising (a minimum of £9,000)
• finding an affordable home to rent and securing council approval
• providing English lessons
• support to claim Universal Credit and Housing allowance
• ensuring access to all required health and dental care
• entry into nursery, school or college for the children
• getting experience in volunteer roles and developing work opportunities
• help becoming part of the local community and learning about UK culture

The family are selected by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and fully assessed and vetted prior to being granted refugee status and flown to the UK by the government. They are eligible for UK benefits to support living until they can take on work. The group funds cover all the support costs until that time e.g. furnishing the home, interpreters, help with basic travel, clothing, school costs, etc., etc.