Support volunteers needed for refugee family

A request has come from Host Abingdon for people who would be interested in providing some support for the Syrian refugee family living in Wantage.

Just to fill in the background: the families are supported in day-to-day living by the Red Cross during their first year in the UK, with Host Abingdon providing most of the English language teaching and helping with other support. After the first year Host Abingdon takes on the major part of the role and the Red Cross step back.

The structure Host Abingdon has in place for the families who have already completed their first year is to have designated support volunteers who meet with each family on a regular basis and help them to deal with anything which comes up. Sometimes it may just involve checking the post with them, but it could also mean helping them for example with a phone call, and for something bigger knowing which direction to point them in.

The Wantage family will come under Host Abingdon's wing in June and it is hoped to have their support volunteers in place in good time. One person has already volunteered but at least one other is needed. Essential qualities needed are good communication skills, common sense, discretion, and a desire to give families confidence to deal with things. You would be part of a team and should not feel you have to deal with things alone.

If this is something you think you could take on please let me know so I can put you in touch with Host Abingdon. Pam Martin: Tel: 764754; e-mail: 63foliat@tiscali.co.uk