Refugees 

Britain has a proud tradition of accepting people from all around the world, many of whom have fled persecution in their home country. The UK's history and success would be very different without the enterprise and skills of those who have come to settle here. Refugees possess a wealth of knowledge and talent that can contribute socially, economically and culturally to shaping communities.

When refugees arrive they often feel quite isolated as they may be separated from family and friends and, in many cases, speak little or no English.

Warwick District Council's response to the Syrian refugee crisis

Warwick District Council is a member of the West Midlands Strategic Migration Partnership which administers the Government's Syrian Vulnerable Persons scheme across the region.

In March 2016 we made a commitment to the partnership that we would support the resettlement of five refugee families. We had not been called upon to house these families until recently.

Warwick District Council will be called upon to accommodate the families early next year. Warwickshire County Council will be taking the lead on providing support to the families to help them settle in, while Warwick District Council will be focused on finding accommodation.

How can you support Syrian refugees?

Housing

Warwick District Council is looking for private properties for the families to live in. We are drawing up a list of landlords who may have available properties in January 2017. Funding will be available to cover void periods of up to two months before occupation. The families will have the documentation required to reside in the UK for five years. Both landlords and tenants will receive support and advice for the duration of the tenancy. If you have not let property before, the Private Sector Housing Team can talk you through the process.

If you may be able to help, contact the Private Sector Housing Team for an informal discussion on 01926 456358 or at privatesectorhousing@warwickdc.gov.uk

Make a donation

We know that many Warwick district residents want to offer donations and support. Here are some of the main ways you can get involved.

• Donate money or goods
• Volunteer to support local groups to ensure that donated supplies reach refugees
• Volunteer with an organisation that provides support to refugees in the UK

Organisations that do this include:

• British Red Cross Appeal
• Oxfam
• Save the Children - Protect Children in Conflict
• UNICEF
• The World Food Programme
• Refugee Action
• Medecins Sans Frontieres
• International Rescue Committee
• Refugee Council

Volunteering

There are organisations that are specifically working around supporting Syrian refugees that welcome volunteer involvement:

• Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre - Call 024 7622 7254
• Carriers of Hope - Call 024 7645 6356
• Leamington Aid

There are organisations that offer some of the services that may be required by refugees. You may consider contacting the following organisations concerning volunteer roles:

• Leamington and Warwick Food Bank Call 07850 293 383 or email info@warwickandleamington.foodbank.org.uk
• Warwick District Citizen’s Advice Call 01926 457928 or email voldevelopment@wdcab.cabnet.org.uk
• SYDNI Centre Call 01926 422071 or email volunteer@sydni.org
• WREP (Warwickshire Race and Equality Partnership) Call 01788 863117 or email info@wrep.org.uk
• Healthwatch Warwickshire Call 01926 422823 or email info@healthwatchwarwickshire.co.uk
• Your local church and/or community centre

Find out more 

For further information about Syrian refugees download the Syrian Resettlement Fact Sheet.