World Refugee Week - 19 to 25 June 2017

World Refugee Week runs from 19 to 25 June and celebrates the contribution of refugees to the UK, and encourages a better understanding between communities.

Stratford-on-Avon District Council welcomed the first two Syrian refugee families late November 2016 through the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme.

Both families have settled into the town and are beginning to integrate into the local community. The children are settling into local schools', parents are attending local English language classes and finding their way around the area with help from local residents. Coventry and Warwickshire Mind offer Befriending Services to provide support to access information on places to shop and socialise, places of worship, local groups and local activities.

The District Council has pledged to welcome a further ten families through the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme over the next three years.

Families due to arrive in September are in need of privately rented accommodation in Stratford-upon-Avon town.

Local landlords are encouraged to get in touch with the council if they have a self-contained property to let.

• Funding is available to cover up to two months void period prior to occupation
• Market rent can be paid
• All sizes of properties considered, although they must be self-contained 
• Landlords receive support and advice during the tenancy
• Families receive support and have a right to reside in the UK for at least five years.

The town of Stratford-upon-Avon town was identified as it has sufficient capacity for these families with minimal impact on resources and services available to provide sufficient school places, healthcare and transport.  

Experienced support workers and interpreters, assist the families to engage with services, settle into the neighbourhood and help them and their children to hospital appointments, enrolment at schools and nurseries.

Cllr Peter Richards, Housing and Infrastructure Portfolio says: "The Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme can offer hope for the most vulnerable families affected by one of the largest humanitarian crises of our age. It is a heartening to hear how local residents have provided such a warm and supportive welcome into our community.  The District Council's is pleased to be able to offer support for these families following such difficult and uncertain times and I would encourage any local landlord's interested in having their accommodation considered for the Refugee Accommodation Scheme, to come forward and support this work."

Please contact Carol Roberts on 01789 260112 or email carol.roberts@stratford-dc.gov.uk for further information.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a befriender then please contact Fatima Ali, Syrian Refugee Befriending Coordinator with Warwickshire MIND on 07852 010174 or fatima.ali@cwmind.org.uk.