£5,000 grant to support local Syrian families

Grant assists charitable group in helping resettled refugees in Hertfordshire

As part of the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation scheme, District and Borough councils across Hertfordshire have committed to receive Syrian families over a 5 year period (2015 – 2019). Whilst the Councils provide critical support and services (housing, education, etc.) HWSF recognised that complementary efforts are required to support and welcome these families. One of the needs identified was to help the resettled families to improve and practice their English skills.

Irene Austin Chair for HWSF said; “Being able to speak English gives one an opportunity to make a civic, social and economic contribution and to participate and integrate within the local community. It is for this reason that we decided to form our English for Speakers of Other Languages network. The network connects volunteers with those wishing to improve and practice the language. The grant provided by HCF enabled us to launch this vital network and without it we would simply not have had the resources to do it”.

Irene continues; “Improving and practicing English however has not been the only benefit to those involved. The network is a real opportunity to for both parties to build up a relationship and friendship with someone from a different culture and to learn from each other.”

Helen Gray, Director for HCF says; “We are pleased that HCF was able to provide this financial support towards such a practical and positive project. We hope that it will help to make a difference in the lives of these new residents of Hertfordshire, many of which will have endured traumatic experiences. At HCF we work with our donors to improve the lives of vulnerable people and build cohesive Hertfordshire communities and this project does exactly that.”