ELMBRIDGE TO WELCOME FIRST REFUGEE FAMILIES UNDER THE SVPR SCHEME

6 July 2017
In just a few weeks time, Elmbridge will welcome its first refugee families as part of the Home Office funded Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement scheme (SVPR).
In just a few weeks time, Elmbridge will welcome its first refugee families as part of the Home Office funded Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement scheme (SVPR).
 
We reported back in October that Elmbridge Borough Council had committed to resettling between 5 and 15 families under the SVPR scheme. And we’re delighted that the Council has now announced that the first family will arrive at the beginning of August. With a second family coming just a few weeks later.
 
The Syrian Vulnerable Person Resettlement (SVPR) scheme enables the most vulnerable families – those with special health needs or survivors of violence and torture – to be relocated to a safe country where they can rebuild their lives.
 
“We are absolutely thrilled that the Council’s pledge to provide sanctuary for Syrian refugee families is now coming to fruition. One of Elmbridge CAN's original aims was to see vulnerable families in refugee camps given a safe home and a future within our local community. 
 
We have worked with the Council for almost a year now, helping them overcome the challenges involved in making this happen, and it’s incredible to know that as a result of this hard work, a family’s life will be transformed.” Becky Hill, Elmbridge CAN co-founder.
 
Elmbridge CAN will play a critical role in preparing for the arrival of these families and supporting them once they’re here. We’ve done it before, and we know all too well just how much time and effort it takes. Our small team urgently needs your help.  
 
HOW YOU CAN HELP
  • Help us clean up the properties. We need volunteers to help us clean and refresh properties so that they’re ready for families to move in.  
 
  • Help us furnish the properties. We have just a 4 weeks to furnish both properties for the families. We need everything from beds and mattresses to sofas and dinning tables/chairs. Download our list of items needed and please get in touch if you can help.
 
  • Help transport donated furniture. We need volunteer drivers to transport furniture donations. If you have a van, we particularly want to hear from you.  
 
  • Help us with starter packs. We’re looking for volunteers to coordinate starter packs for the family. We’ll provide a list of exactly what’s needed under each category - kitchenware, household cleaning, personal care, bedding and children's toys and activities. You’ll use your contacts and networks to source these items – either new or good quality second hand items.
    If your organisation, church, workplace, school, or even a group of friends would be willing to coordinate one of these categories, please get in touch.
 
  • Help with family support. We also need family support volunteers to offer local orientation when the families arrive and provide ongoing language and befriending support.  
​
If you can help with any of the above, please email us.
 
Together we can help transform the lives of these families.
Image: Ververidis Vasilis / Shutterstock.com
Read our interview an SVPR family in Redhill to find out more about the kind of family you’ll be supporting.