Community Sponsorship
Community Sponsorship was launched in July 2016 and compliments the resettlement work that local authorities do. Under the Community Sponsorship Scheme members of the local community form a group and fundraise to sponsor a refugee family to settle in the UK. The sponsorship group are responsible for supporting the family and carrying out all of the integration support normally provided by a Council under the UKRS and ACRS programmes.
You can find out more about community sponsorship and how to become a sponsor on GOV.UK
Contents
RESET
Reset are a charity commissioned by the Home Office to empower volunteers to welcome refugees into local communities. Reset provide training and guidance to groups interested in community sponsorship and support them through the entire process.
You can find out more about RESET on their website, where you will find toolkits to support both sponsorship groups and Local Authorities (resetuk.org)
Our Work
The North West Strategic Migration Partnership (SMP) offer support and guidance to Councils on the Community Sponsorship programme. We work with the Home Office to facilitate the arrival of refugee families into the North West. We offer ongoing support and training opportunities to the community sponsorship groups in our region.
Council Work
The Council works with community sponsorship groups to ensure they have the right policies and procedures in place. They fulfil the statutory duty to provide education, social care and safeguarding to all refugee families arriving into their authority.
FAQ’s
Who is eligible for sponsorship?
Refugees that have been referred by the UNHC and accepted by His Majesties Government onto either the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme or the UK Resettlement Scheme.
How much money does a sponsorship group need to have?
As part of your application you will be asked to confirm you have funding of at least £9000.
What are the benefits of Community Sponsorship?
There are many benefits to community sponsorship, including, developing new networks and relationships, learning new skills, building community connections and developing lifelong friendships.