Refugee Week in Gloucestershire
Summary
Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers are looking for landlords who would consider renting to a refugee family resettled in Gloucestershire, through the Home Office Resettlement schemes.
Every week is Refugee Week in Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire County Council, as part of the local Strategic Migration Partnership, is celebrating the contribution refugees have in the county and beyond.
Refugee Week took place 19 – 25 June, however for public and voluntary sector partners every week is for supporting and celebrating refugees and asylum seekers.
Currently, Gloucestershire is committed to resettling 35 Afghan families under the government’s Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), with 31 families currently resettled in the county. This means adults can get their lives back on track, while their children can flourish in welcoming and supportive local schools. There are also people being offered a safe place to live under the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme.
Gloucestershire has welcomed nearly 1500 Ukrainian guests, including more than 300 school-aged children. While some have chosen to move on or go back to Ukraine, others have stayed and settled in the county. Currently there are 356 households hosting Ukrainian guests in Gloucestershire; opening their family homes to welcome those displaced by war.
In addition to those from Ukraine and Afghanistan, a further 89 families (364 people) from Syria have so far been supported to resettle in the county, under the Gloucestershire Refugee Resettlement Programme (GRRP).
Gloucestershire’s Strategic Migration Partnership
All resettlement schemes are over-seen by the Strategic Migration Partnership, made up of representatives from many of the public sector organisations in Gloucestershire. The partnership works with local charities and aid workers to establish local support as asylum seekers navigate their way to a safer environment to live in. They make sure asylum seekers get access to medical treatment, emotional support, and practical help, such as housing and clothes.
How can you help?
The Homes for Ukraine scheme is always looking for new hosts who are able to share their home with Ukrainian guests. Find out more about becoming a host at https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/your-community/ukrainian-support/gloucestershire-homes-for-ukraine-sponsor-guide/
Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers are looking for landlords who would consider renting to a refugee family resettled in Gloucestershire, through the Home Office Resettlement schemes. Find out more about GARAS at https://www.garas.org.uk/