In September 2015 the UK pledged to welcome 20,000 refugees from Syria over the next five years. East Sussex district and borough councils have agreed to support the resettlement of vulnerable Syrian families who have fled war zones.—Wealden District Council, 20 December 2016
Many refugees have experienced traumas such as torture, the deaths of loved ones and the loss of everything they own. They have fled in a desperate search for safety, the majority with young children.
Eastbourne, Lewes, Wealden and Rother councils have each agreed to resettle 40 people with Hastings Borough Council pledging to resettle 100 people over the next five years.
Since November, working closely with the Government and a range of key partners including health, education and voluntary and community groups, the East Sussex Syrian Resettlement Programme has resettled 22 people including grandparents and children. And in January, a further 22 people including extended families will be resettled in East Sussex.
“Wealden has been playing its part in the resettlement programme with the first family now settling in,” said Councillor Graham Wells, Cabinet member for housing. “They are escaping the ravages of a terrible war. I am sure local people will help them feel welcome.
“Finding suitable affordable accommodation is difficult, so we need your help in being able to resettle Syrian vulnerable families into this area. If you are a private landlord with family sized accommodation available at the local housing allowance rate that you would be willing to let to a Syrian family, please contact us at housingoptions@wealden.gov.uk to find out more.”
East Sussex Community and Faith Action (ESCAFA) is helping support Vulnerable Syrian Families and has been working with councils to bring together individuals and community and faith groups across East Sussex who are interested in supporting the families coming into the area.
For more information about ESCAFA visit http://www.escafa.co.uk
