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“My children correct me when we mispronounce certain words with the authentic local accent,” states Samir*, an Afghanistani refugee whose household has settled into their new lives in the north of England.

Initially, he says, it was difficult for the family to get used to country living in their new area, but after a while they had blended into the local community so thoroughly that his children, who have adopted the regional accent, joke with him about his own one.

“Now our area is becoming a diverse community,” says Samir, who along with his family was resettled to the UK after events in his nation of origin.

The Role of Community Sponsorship

Part of the ease with which they have integrated is due to support from a community sponsorship scheme. It provides refugees with wraparound support from a team of residents who agree to fundraise, secure affordable accommodation, and help with the fundamental challenges of life in a new country.

This encompasses learning English, accessing employment, education or support services, and registering with a GP and dentist.

Samir comments that thanks to their support team, the family have settled in successfully – even down to the local accents.

Government Oversight and Future Plans

The government manages the scheme, which is one of several resettlement pathways. The Home Secretary has previously stated she aimed to further develop this approach.

“With management established, 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 pace and scale of change does not exceed what a local area is prepared to accept,” she said.

The Power of Local Connection

Sue Wall, part of a assisting group in the area, says that as a grandmother, she slips into the same role with the arriving families.

“That’s an identity that the families recognise. If you help people become integrated they are more likely to return to their previous profession or something similar to it, which helps with their sense of identity and self-esteem. If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a town to raise a family,” she explains.

Community Control and Strong Outcomes

Susannah Baker, the chair of a sponsorship alliance, supports plans to develop named sponsorship, allowing communities to match with refugee families they think will be a good fit.

“This places control firmly in the hands of communities, allowing them to select and support refugees they are prepared to support,” she says. “It is both caring and managed, delivering strong integration outcomes because communities are active partners from the outset. When residents are engaged early, newcomers learn English more quickly, find work sooner, and become part of local society.”

Stories of Settlement

Maryam’s Story: From Fear to Community

Maryam*, a 17-year-old from Syria refugee, came to Bristol with her family several years ago. The family was aided by a group of sponsors called 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 contrast between the bustling area of Jordan and the quiet street where they were housed was a surprise, she says.

“In Jordan there are crowds. 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 frightening for me. I said to my mum, ‘should we just go back to Jordan?’ I think without Westbury Welcome we would have been stuck in a pattern of not comprehending things.”

She says one of her earliest recollections was the meal the group cooked for the family after picking them up from the airport. “They cooked us Middle Eastern rice and chicken. I think it was the most generous meal I had eaten in my life.”

Now the family are part of their community. Maryam is studying for her A-levels and is hoping to then take a gap year before attending university.

“Not everyone understands why we came to the UK. We didn’t come for fun. Having the group help us with everything from finding a GP to understanding how the buses work made things so much easier for us.”

Eveline’s Perspective: Learning and Welcoming

Eveline Johnstone, part of the group supporting Maryam’s family, said they formed under the auspices of a civic organisation that aids those who want to become community sponsors.

The group has later supported other families. “It’s great for the families to have a whole group of people to support them and it’s great for us to do something constructive and to welcome 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 joys 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 top floor and a ground floor, and I can grow flowers, camellias, jasmine and mint,” she says.

Jane Kivlin is a member of the group that has supported Ori and her family after being inspired by a film about how a Syrian refugee family are initially greeted with suspicion 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 despair.”

Support in Scotland: A New Start

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 keen to contribute 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 find their feet.”

A Final Reflection

“When we first arrived it was difficult for us,” says Samir. “We found it a very still place compared to the urban area we had come from. We felt very alone and didn’t know anyone. Now I’ve succeeded in my driving test and have been offered a postgraduate course. We have made lots of friends here.

“Although we come from a completely different 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 build trust between people from different backgrounds.”

*Names have been changed