Work Continues On Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme

A multi-agency group which is co-ordinating Pembrokeshire’s response to the UK Government’s Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation (SVPR) scheme met last week. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

The group is comprised of all relevant partner organisations. They include Hywel Dda University Health Board, Dyfed Powys Police, Pembrokeshire County Council, PAVS (Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services) and Pembrokeshire College. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

The SVPR scheme intends to resettle some of the most vulnerable Syrian refugees in the UK. Accommodation will be sourced in the private rented sector. The programme is fully funded by the Home Office. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Following a meeting by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet in September, the multi-agency group has been instructed to start the implementation phase. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Partners will start to examine key issues in relation to accommodation and support, and continue an active dialogue with local community sponsorship schemes. Group meetings are now set to take place monthly. The Chair of the group is Cllr Alison Lee, Cabinet Member for Housing and the Voluntary Sector. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

The refugees being resettled have lost their homes due to the conflict in Syria, and have been taken straight from refugee camps in the region. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

All refugees go through a rigorous assessment programme by the Home Office before arrival in the UK. Specialist support will be provided to help with integration. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​