“Our kids correct us when we don’t pronounce certain words with the authentic regional accent,” remarks Samir*, an Afghan refugee whose household has made a home in their new life in the north of England.
At first, he explains, it was difficult for the family to adapt to country living in their new area, but after a while they had integrated into the neighbourhood so completely that his children, who have adopted the regional accent, tease him about his own one.
“Now our area is becoming a diverse community,” says Samir, who together with his family was resettled to the UK following events in his home country.
Understanding Local Support Schemes
A key reason for the ease with which they have settled is due to support from a community sponsorship scheme. It provides refugees with comprehensive support from a group of volunteers who agree to fundraise, find reasonably-priced accommodation, and help with the fundamental challenges of life in a foreign land.
This encompasses learning English, finding employment, education or benefits, and registering with a GP and dental practice.
Samir comments that thanks to their sponsorship group, the family have integrated well – including the local accents.
Official Future Plans
The authorities manages the scheme, which is one of several refugee resettlement programmes. The Home Secretary has said she aimed to further develop this approach.
“With management restored, we will create new, limited routes for refugees for whom this country will be the first, safe haven they encounter. We will make community sponsorship the norm, so we know that the rate and size of change does not outstrip what a community is willing to accept,” she remarked.
A Grandmotherly Role
Sue Wall, part of a supporting group in Ashbourne, says that as a grandmother, she naturally adopts the same figure with the newcomers.
“That’s an role that the families understand. If you help people become settled they are more able to resume their previous profession or something similar to it, which helps with their sense of identity and confidence. If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a town to raise a family,” she says.
Empowering Locals for Successful Integration
Susannah Baker, the chair of a sponsorship alliance, supports plans to develop targeted matching, allowing communities to match with refugee families they think will be a suitable match.
“This puts the power firmly in the hands of communities, allowing them to identify and welcome refugees they are ready to support,” she says. “It is both compassionate and controlled, delivering strong integration outcomes because communities are engaged from the outset. When residents are engaged early, arrivals learn English more rapidly, find work sooner, and become part of local society.”
Stories of Settlement
Maryam’s Story: From Fear to Belonging
Maryam*, a 17-year-old Syrian refugee, came to Bristol with her family in 2018. The family was supported by a group of sponsors known as Westbury Welcome.
“When I was three I walked with my family from Syria to Jordan because of the conflict in my country,” says Maryam. At first, the change between the busy area of Jordan and the calm street where they were given a home was a shock, she says.
“In Jordan there are many people. When we arrived here we were given a house but when we looked out of the window and saw there was no one in the street, it was really scary for me. I said to my mum, ‘should we just go back to Jordan?’ I think without the support group we would have been trapped in a cycle of not comprehending things.”
She says one of her first memories was the meal the group cooked for the family after collecting them up from the airport. “They cooked us traditional rice and chicken. I think it was the biggest meal I had eaten in my life.”
Now the family are part of their community. Maryam is working towards her A-levels and is hoping to then take a gap year before attending university.
“Not everyone comprehends why we came to the UK. We didn’t come for fun. Having supporters help us with everything from finding a GP to understanding how the buses work made things so much better for us.”
Eveline’s Perspective: Mutual Benefit
Eveline Johnstone, part of the group supporting Maryam’s family, said they formed under the guidance of a civic organisation that aids those who want to become community sponsors.
The group has subsequently supported other families. “It’s wonderful for the families to have a network of people to support them and it’s great for us to do something positive and to greet people. I have learned so much from the people who have come here,” Johnstone says.
Ori’s New Life: Gardens and Strength
For Ori*, a Syrian mother, one of the pleasures of living in Devon – along with the immense support she has received – is having a garden.
“Back home we lived in an flat and the garden was on the roof. Here we live in a house with an upstairs and a downstairs, and I can grow roses, shrubs, jasmine and mint,” she says.
Jane Kivlin is a member of the group that has supported Ori and her family after being moved by a movie about how a Syrian refugee family are at first greeted with hostility but in the end welcomed. She says of Ori’s family: “They are incredibly strong. They find a lot of things quite difficult but I don’t think I have seen any hopelessness.”
Support in Scotland: A Springboard
Abby Boutlee, part of a group supporting an Afghan family in a Scottish village, says: “It has gone really smoothly. The family have a difficult history and some health problems but they are eager to be ‘part of Scotland’ and are enthusiastic to add to the life of the village. There are 14 of us supporting them and we hope to be a launchpad for them into a new life where they can settle in.”
Looking Forward
“When we first arrived life was hard for us,” reflects Samir. “We found it a very quiet place compared to the city we had come from. We felt very isolated and didn’t know anyone. Now I’ve passed my driving test and have been offered a postgraduate course. We have made lots of friends here.
“Although we come from a totally distinct country and culture, we have so much in common with the people of this country. Community sponsorship is a excellent way to support people in need, and to foster trust between people from diverse backgrounds.”
*Names have been changed
