As part of the national refugee resettlement programme, the first Syrian families have arrived and are settling into life in Oxfordshire.
Oxford City Council answered the call to accept families fleeing Syria and has been working with neighbouring councils, voluntary, community and faith groups to ensure arrangements are in place for their arrival.
All the families have been supported in their transition by Asylum Welcome, which is offering support by providing workshops to help them settle into their new surroundings. These workshops include basic English language and culture lessons and helping them register for services such as doctors and banks.
Councillor Bob Price, Leader of Oxford City Council, said: “These families have had a very long journey before arriving in Oxford and I am pleased to welcome them to our city. I am pleased to hear that the families have settled in so quickly and are enjoying their time here.
“Their arrival was well planned and I would like to thank everyone involved in supporting these families into their new homes and helping them start new lives in the UK.
“We know that there are many refugees and asylum seekers in Oxford who need help and support, which is why we are working with voluntary and community organisations to coordinate our efforts and make the most of offers of help and support.”
Kate Smart, Director of Asylum Welcome, said: “We are getting the Syrian families out and about every day to meet people and to practice their English, we are using first-class interpreters and we are inspiring the Syrians with confidence and optimism about what their future holds.”
If you would like to help or donate to organisations that support refugees and asylum seekers in Oxford, you can find links to all the organisations involved and more information on the OCVA website.
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