Syrian Refugee Crisis – Council To Set Up Task Group

Published on: 17 Sep, 2015
Updated on: 17 Sep, 2015

Syrian refugees will be brought to the UK from camps in countries that neighbour Syria.

A task group is being set up by Guildford Borough Council to co-ordinate Guildford’s response to the refugee crisis. The group will work with local faith groups and local churches to determine the best way of responding.

Cllr Iseult Roche.

Lead councillor for community health and sport, Cllr Iseult Roche (Con, Worplesdon) will set up the group. She said: “The nation’s response to the refugee humanitarian crisis has seen communities coming together to collect much needed items for people in need.

“We are looking at how we can offer help both in the short and long-term. Our first response is to support the admirable work that our community groups have started so that the local humanitarian effort can continue.

“In offering further assistance, it is essential that we make an informed decision that addresses the needs of vulnerable families to help their successful integration into the community long-term.

Donations collected in Guildford for refugees in Calais.

Some of the donations collected within hours on September 10 in Guildford for refugees in Calais.

“Our next step will be assessing considerations on infrastructure, such as social care, education, employment and health, which all need to be thoroughly planned to ensure harmony and success for the future.

“We want to facilitate volunteers and also believe that it is important our response is part of a broader county-wide approach. We are keen to work with other local authorities on a co-ordinated plan of action. This will ensure we are all focusing on the best plan possible for refugees coming to our county.”

Yesterday, Home Secretary Teresa May announced that the first Syrian refugees, to be brought directly from refugee camps in countries bordering Syria, were expected to arrive soon. The prime minister had previously announced that the UK would be taking 20,000 Syrian refugees over the next five years.

Teresa May announcing that the first group of Syrian refugees were expected to arrive in Britain soon.

The government is advising people that the best way to help refugees is to donate money to humanitarian organisations or charities. It says that cash donations enable relief agencies to cater to the specific needs of the affected population as quickly as possible.

For a list of recommended charities visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/syria-refugees-what-you-can-do-to-help–2