City welcomes first Syrian refugees
Brighton & Hove has welcomed two Syrian refugee families and will welcome another next week as part of the government’s resettlement scheme.
The three households will settle in Brighton as the city continues to play its part in helping traumatised families fleeing war.
The refugees, identified by the UN in countries bordering Syria will receive support and funding from the government for five years. This will include schooling and health care. Accommodation has been provided by local landlords who have stepped forward to offer housing specifically for these refugees.
The council has also recently welcomed several unaccompanied young people as part of a joint initiative with Kent County Council. This is in addition to welcoming refugees who have come to the city in the past from Syria and other areas of conflict in the world.
Cllr Emma Daniel, Chair of the Neighbourhoods, Communities and Equalities Committee, said:
“Today we are seeing the first Syrian refugees arrive in the city through the government’s programme to relocate people into Britain. We have got everything in place for the three households and we feel really positive that they will be fully supported. The government has provided funding for this and has also confirmed funding for future years.
“I’d like to reassure people that the properties that are being used are properties that people have put forward specifically for refugees and wouldn’t normally be available so no one is being pushed down a queue for social care, education and housing. We are able to fully play our part in this global humanitarian effort without anyone in the city feeling like they are missing out.”
Brighton & Hove City Council has a strong tradition of working with charities and community groups including local charity Brighton Voice in Exile, who are co-ordinating help from the community to welcome and support the refugees.
“Once again we are appealing to people who may have a property in the city that they don’t normally let out but who would be willing to help us meet this tragic crisis by providing self-contained long term accommodation for refugees,” added Cllr Daniels.
“We are not asking for rooms in people’s homes - we are looking for flats or houses or holiday lets. If you have a property you are willing to offer please get in touch.
“We are working closely with charities and community groups on this programme – so there will be lots of practical support for the refugees and for landlords who come on board.”
Landlords who have self-contained properties where they would be willing to house Syrian refugees long term please get in touch via email here refugeehelp@brighton-hove.gov.uk