This is what the Community Sponsorship Group are going to do, ready to welcome a Syrian refugee family to live in our neighbourhood. Our planning is about to really accelerate, with the amazing news that a benefactor has offered to buy a house in Cotham / Redland as an ethical investment, and to let it to a displaced family at a low rental.
So – what will transform that house into a warm, welcoming, safe home for a traumatised family, who have had to leave their extended family, culture, jobs and schools; who arrive at an airport to be met by us and taken to an unknown city in Britain?
We will decorate and furnish their home; buy a TV, laptop, SIM cards, hoover, toys and buggy; have bus cards ready to use, food in the cupboards and fridge…
But that’s just the start of our commitment of ongoing support. The Home Office requires evidence of how we will provide paid interpreters and English lessons every week; help to make and attend health/ school/benefits/bank and employment appointments; support to shop, buy clothing and school uniforms, travel on buses; and to grow in confidence to make independent choices. We are committed to do this for at least two years.
We firmly believe that supporting a displaced family to make their home in our community is a privilege, and that we have much to receive and learn from them.
But we need HELP! If you would like to join the group, or have a skill to offer; if you have contacts who could offer goods or services at a favourable rate, or if you can make a donation towards our Welcome project, please get in touch. And please tell your friends, neighbours and colleagues too.
Sally Seaman
cothamredlandwelcome@gmail.com
Donations can be made: Sort code 40-52-40 Account no 0003280
Cotham PCC Community a/c