Migrant crisis: Syrian refugees arrive in Staffordshire
Two Syrian refugee families have arrived in Staffordshire as the first step of the county's commitment to taking in 50 refugees has been taken.
Stafford Borough Council's community boss Jeremy Pert said: "The first Syrian refugees in Staffordshire have arrived in the Stafford borough and I am delighted that we have taken the lead on this.
"We have been working closely with the county council in order to make this happen and now we will ensure that these people are properly looked after. Another set will be arriving before the end of April, so that means the commitment we made will be delivered by then."
A total of 10 people, a family of four and a family of six, have arrived in Staffordshire and are now settling in to their new homes, although the county council will not reveal where they are based specifically.
The arrivals come after months of work by Staffordshire County Council, district and borough councils and charity Refugee Action to ensure the county has everything in place for the arrival of refugees.
This includes providing a safe and secure environment with access to adequate medical provision, suitable housing, and school places, if needed.
County Councillor Mike Lawrence, cabinet member for children and community safety, said: "This programme is about helping those refugees in the greatest need, including people requiring urgent medical treatment, survivors of torture and women and children who are most at risk.
"As a county, we are doing all that we can to help. We have been able to welcome these refugees thanks to the huge support of our district and borough councils, and Refugee Action, who will be overseeing the arrivals and ensuring they can settle in to their new environments.
"There has been a great deal of logistical details to sort out and we are only taking those we know we can safely and readily accommodate. As county we have pledged to take 50 initially, so there is more to be done."
Julie Kashirahamwe, national resettlement manager at Refugee Action said. "Refugee Action is delighted to welcome the Syrian families and individuals who arrived safely in Staffordshire on Tuesday.
"These refugees who have been through so much already; surviving the horrific realities of conflict and violence and now our dedicated staff and volunteers will begin the process of helping these new arrivals rebuild their lives and enabling to integrate with local communities in the area."
