Syrian Families Resettlement Befriending Volunteers
25 February 2019
Planning is underway to help a further two families from war-ravaged Syria build new lives in Orkney.
These young families are currently living in refugee camps in the Middle East having fled their own homes during the Syrian conflict.
In 2017 two Syrian families moved to Orkney after the Home Office took up an offer from Orkney Islands Council to provide accommodation as part of a UK-wide resettlement programme.
Last year, the Council agreed to offer homes to two further families in support of the country-wide humanitarian effort.
Befriending offers a way to help someone feel welcome, get to know their local area, find out about essential services and begin to feel at home.
Befriending supports refugees who are isolated or need help to build confidence, access services and develop new skills so they can build happier lives in Orkney.
This initiative has been established to coordinate the welcome to ensure refugees are well supported. Befriending is an important part of this welcome. We know that people can not only survive but thrive and contribute if given initial support.
If you feel you can help the families settle in to Orkney and would like to know more about volunteering with them please contact Rob McGregor at VAO on 872 897 – If you can speak Arabic that would be even better!
