Interpreting options

There are various different ways you can work with interpreters. You could work with paid, volunteer or bilingual volunteers (who work with the family in their own language, and also interpret when required). They could carry out their interpreting either face to face or over the phone. Whichever option you choose, make sure that the interpreter you work…

Introduction to empowerment and integration

Integrating into a new country, or community, is a very personal process and it is impossible to put a timescale on how long it will take for someone to feel integrated. For some people, it may be a matter of months. For others, it could take years and integration is an ongoing process. It may…

Making benefits calculations

Both for the sake of your Group and the family you will support, it is important to ensure that the property you find will be financially viable – that the family will be able to pay their rent and the Group won’t have to contribute beyond expected and agreed top up. We developed this resource…

New Scots: Integration strategy for Scotland

The Scottish Government have implemented a refugee integration strategy for 2018-2022, which Groups will find a useful guide for the support that they offer.  The New Scots strategy is the means through which integration is implemented at national and local levels in Scotland. It has been developed over a number of years through consultation with…

Producing a safeguarding policy

Alongside your application, you will also need to submit a Safeguarding policy for your group in order for the Home Office Community Sponsorship team to assess your suitability to resettle refugees.  This policy should outline your approach to protecting vulnerable adults and children, and how you plan to manage safeguarding concerns once a family have…

Reaching out to other organisations

As part of your Community Sponsorship application, you will be doing lots of research into the services and organisations in your area that may be able to provide advice and support to the family you are supporting.  As a Community Sponsorship Group, you aren’t expected to be experts on every subject, instead, you need to…