Introduction to Community Sponsorship

Community Sponsorship is a refugee resettlement programme with local people at its heart. Join this introduction session to learn what Community Sponsorship is and how it came about. We will explore what Community Sponsorship looks like in practice, what is required of a Community Sponsorship group, and how you can get involved. This session is relaxed and informal, and there will be plenty of time for questions!

Part 1: Planning your Application E-learning

This required training session – sometimes referred to as Part 1 Training – is for core group members (these are the people who lead the teams or areas of work on your application) and should be completed in the early stages of your planning, before you have applied to the Home Office.

We also have a Part 1 PSAP E-learning for groups who have partnered with a Principle Lead Sponsor and wish to apply through the Principle Sponsor Application Process (PSAP).

These sessions are now E-learnings and you can complete them in your own time, at your own pace. These sessions focus on the refugee resettlement process, engaging local stakeholders and navigating the application process. We have monthly Part 1 drop-in sessions to answer any follow up questions you might have from the training. You can book these in the Drop-in Sessions section below.

Safeguarding Essentials E-learning

Our Safeguarding Essentials E-learning aims to support you in understanding safeguarding vulnerable adults and children. It will explore types and indicators of abuse and neglect. You will develop knowledge and skills in recognising, responding and reporting safeguarding concerns and know how to effectively talk with the family you support about safeguarding.

This course will enable you to explore practical scenarios you may encounter and reflect on your next steps as a Community Sponsorship group. You can complete this course at anytime throughout your journey with us but we advise to complete it before the family’s arrival.

Part 2: Getting Ready to Welcome

In this 2.5hour required training session – sometimes referred to as Part 2 Training – we’ll discuss empowerment, setting boundaries in your support and some of the cultural differences.

We reach out to each group individually to book this online, once your group has full approval and is allocated a family.

Core Skills Training

These online training sessions are run by experts in different core areas of Community Sponsorship support. They are usually run by an expert outside of Community Sponsorship and do not follow a specific schedule. These trainings are for Community Sponsorship group members only.

Past core skills sessions have included training on benefits, volunteer management and immigration advice.

Drop-in Sessions

Our drop-in sessions are offered in addition to our E-learnings. These are informal sessions that give you the opportunity to drop in and ask questions about the Safeguarding Essentials E-learning or the Part 1: Planning your application E-learning.

Events

Reset now offers UK-wide networking events for Community Sponsorship groups at all stages of their journey. Join fellow Community Sponsorship group members to network, discuss, and reflect on the Community Sponsorship journey. In each networking event, you will hear the stories of one or two Community Sponsorship groups and then have space for discussion and questions.  

We are also piloting our new and exciting drop-in event for Community Sponsorship group members, Cuppa and Collaboration. Our Cuppa and Collaboration sessions will be for group members at all stages of their Community Sponsorship journey and will focus on a specific topic related to supporting the families you welcome. These topics may include: working with schools, supporting family members into employment, working effectively with interpreters, developing your trauma-informed approach to support, and many more! Reset will be inviting representatives from external organisations, such as the International Rescue Committee and the Refugee Employability Programme, to give you expert advice on the topic and explain the support they can provide. There will always be space for discussion and Q&A.  

We also support Sponsor Refugees (Citizens UK) in organising their drop-in Lunch and Learn sessions. These are a chance for groups to share ideas and compare their experiences on a particular area of support and to meet other groups around the UK. If you are interested in attending these, you can find more information here.