Since the Syrian crisis began in 2011, the UK has granted asylum or other forms of leave to almost 5,000 Syrian nationals and their dependants. We also operate three resettlement routes, which bring people who have fled their home country to the UK. One of these, the Gateway programme, has run for 10 years and has resettled almost 6,400 people in that time, aiming to resettle around 750 people a year.
Britain can be proud that we’re one of the only major countries in the world to deliver our commitment to spend 0.7% of our GDP on aid. We’re already the second largest bilateral donor of aid in the world in response to the Syrian conflict. Our help has included providing over 18 million food rations and giving 1.6 million people access to clean water.
On 7 September the Prime Minister announced an expansion of our existing Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme. Through this expansion, we expect to resettle 20,000 Syrians in need of protection during this Parliament. This is in addition to those we resettle under our Gateway and Mandate programmes, and the thousands of people who receive protection in the UK under normal asylum procedures.
We are working closely with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to identify some of the most vulnerable displaced Syrians and bring them to the UK. This scheme is helping those in the greatest need who cannot be supported effectively in the region by giving them protection and support in the UK. The criteria for acceptance under the scheme will be expanded to ensure more of those in need are resettled.
We have received many generous offers of support from the general public, local authorities, businesses and other organisations. Below is some guidance on how you can help.
General public
I have a free room in my house
Many organisations in the UK operate accommodation hosting projects to help vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees.NACCOM is an informal network of agencies providing accommodation to migrants.
I have a property that could be used to house refugees
Please contact your local authority. If you are a Northumberland resident then this is the website:http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/ You will probably be redirected to their private sector housing team.
I want to volunteer to help refugees
Several charities and organisations are working with refugees across the UK. To find out more about volunteering opportunities in your area visit:You could also contact the Refugee Council.
I’m a professional who could help refugees integrate on arrival in the UK
Contact the Refugee Council.I just want to do something to help
There are a number of charities and organisations across the UK that are raising awareness and donations to help refugees who have recently arrived and those who are already in the UK. Please contact these charities and organisations directly. We have several in Northumberland.I have clothes / books / toys etc that I want to donate
Many charities have been inundated with generous offers of donated goods from members of the public. Because of the logistical challenges in storing and transporting donated items, some can’t accept any donations currently. Check with your local refugee organisations to see what they need.You can also donate items to Save the Children charity shops. The items won’t go directly to child refugees but the money raised helps us to support them.
I have a business and have an idea that could help
There are a number of charities and organisations across the UK that are raising awareness and donations to help refugees who have recently arrived and those who are already in the UK. Please contact these charities and organisations directly.I want to help refugees overseas
You can support Save the Children’s Child Refugee Crisis Appeal. Their teams are working across Europe and in the countries refugees are fleeing from to provide aid and support.You can support UNHCR’s emergency appeal for the refugee crisis in Europe. UNHCR is on the ground providing life-saving support to refugees arriving in Europe.
I want to foster a child
You can apply to foster a child through your council if you live in England and Wales.You could also contact one of these national organisations that help with fostering in the UK:
If you’re interested in fostering in general, contact your local authority to find out more about the process.
I’m a foster carer and would like further training to help meet the specific needs of children in my care
Save the Children may have training opportunities that you’d be interested in.You can also contact your local authority for information and support.
Local authorities
I’m a local authority and I want to get more information on the scheme and how to participate
Please contact your regional strategic migration partnership via the Local Government Association’s website.Education providers: I’m a local authority or school looking for additional training to help build the emotional resilience of children in our care
Save the Children may have training opportunities that you’d be interested in.Religious organisations: I have religious premises available
Email the Local Government Association, stating which area of the UK you are in.
You can call the Red Cross’s dedicated phone line on 0800 107 8727 from 9am on Saturday 12 September for more information.
