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Oct 2020

Last Updated: 23/10/2020

Nidderdale aims to welcome a refugee family

by Tim Flanagan

| 24 Oct, 2020

There is a world of difference between the pastoral peace of the Yorkshire Dales and countries devastated by war, famine and political unrest, but for one refugee family, Nidderdale could offer new hope.

Hopes are high that community collaboration in Nidderdale can see welcoming hands extended to a refugee family.

Organisations created in towns, villages and cities across the UK have successfully taken part in a government-backed scheme to re-settle refugees.

Now Nidderdale Community Welcome is following in their footsteps and learning from their experiences.

Catholic Care Leeds has agreed to be the principal backer of the initiative, which involves churches of different denominations in Nidderdale.

However, the Rev Alastair Ferneley, vicar of Dacre with Hartwith and Darley with Thornthwaite, told the Stray Ferret:

“The churches have a role to play, but Nidderdale Community Welcome wants to engage with people of all religions and those of no religion at all.

“Our aim is to bring together all of the necessary skills and talents in this area for the initiative to take off."

Rev Alastair is part of a group working alongside Peter Wright, a long-time supporter of causes that help refugees.

Peter, who lives in Ramsgill, is organising a public meeting via Zoom on November 18, which will be open to anybody who wishes to become involved in Nidderdale Community Welcome.

At the meeting, Sue Parsons, community sponsorship coordinator for Catholic Care, will explain how community sponsorship works and there will be opportunities for questions.

Peter said:

"There are currently approximately 80 million displaced people around the world, of which 26 million are refugees. The government initially agreed for up to 10,000 to be resettled in the UK through integration into local communities and this is Nidderdale's opportunity to support the programme."

He added:

"We are at the stage of creating the infrastructure required to move forward."

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Community sponsorship organisations have to prepare everything that might be needed for families to become self-sufficient members of their new community, as required in detailed plans set out by the Home Office.

This includes safeguarding, learning English, applying for relevant benefits, accessing medical help, schools, transport, finding work, and having support from translators.

To obtain refugee status the families have already been closely vetted, entitling them to the same help and welfare as anyone else living in the UK. The community group needs to raise at least £9,000 to ensure additional needs are met.

The group has to have either charitable status or a partnership with an existing charity, such as Catholic Care Leeds, which takes ultimate responsibility for the agreement with the Home Office and provides experience, governance and safeguarding training and support.

Anybody wanting to take part in the November 18 meeting is asked to contact wrightpandh@gmail.com or ring 01423 755619 for further details.

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Nidderdale aims to welcome a refugee family

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