Refugee family bid

Nidderdale Community Welcome is working with charity Catholic Care and has set out to raise the £9,000 needed under the Government Community Sponsorship scheme to support the move.

“In 2015, David Cameron agreed that the UK would welcome 20,000 refugees affected by the crisis in Syria by 2020,” said a spokesman for the group.

“This number has not yet been achieved but Community Sponsorship offers a way for us to help one such family to have a new start.

“If the Covid pandemic has taught us anything it is that the world can change so quickly and families be torn apart through no fault of their own.

“Add wars, famine and other natural disasters to the mix and we can see how many families are in desperate situations.

“We want to be part of offering a safe and legal route to a new home in the UK for a refugee family who may have lost everything.”

A suitable house will be found to rent and the families will receive support for up to two years.

Nidderale Community Welcome have raised £6,000 through crowdfunding and will be holding fundraising events including a sponsored walk on May 31.

“We need to raise money and enthusiasm for this project and get as many people involved as possible,” added the spokesman.

“There is a lot to do before a family can be identified and then even more when they arrive.”

The group is calling for help from anyone who has experience or knowledge of planning projects, fundraising, linking with all the services a family need, or simply befriending new arrivals and offering practical friendship.

The final application will go in when the group has raised the necessary funds and found a suitable house to rent in the area.

“This could be as soon as June or July this year with a family being identified and matched with us by the autumn.”

Contact [email protected]