Arabic speakers volunteer to help Syrian refugee families across Warwickshire keep up with latest Covid-19 advice

Thirty-five Syrian families live in Warwickshire as part of the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement programme, a Government scheme that began in 2015 to relocate Syrian refugees affected by the 2011 Syrian civil war.

But support workers realised that many of those who had settled in the county were finding it difficult to understand the Government advice surrounding the current coronavirus pandemic and what measures needed to be taken to stay safe.

John Coleman, assistant director for children & families at Warwickshire County Council said: “This is a worrying time for many people, so you can imagine how hard it is for a family who haven’t lived here for very long or don’t speak the language fluently.

"It makes it much more difficult to understand the advice surrounding COVID-19 and there is so much information out there it can be overwhelming for anyone, let alone if English isn’t your first language.

“With the help of our amazing volunteers we can support all Syrian families in Warwickshire throughout this pandemic so that they can stay safe and informed about the government advice.

“We are very proud that the volunteers have pulled together to provide support to these families through what is a very uncertain time.

"It is a testament to how the county comes together to support its most vulnerable residents.”

Among the volunteers who responded to the appeal was Nahed, is a young Syrian woman living with her husband and two children in Rugby.

She was resettled in Warwickshire nearly two years ago after escaping her war-torn country.

She said: “When I came to Warwickshire, I was recommended to volunteer through my coach at the local job centre.

"I really liked the idea of helping others and I thought that it would be an amazing thing to do, especially as in Syria and Jordan, volunteering is not really something that people think about doing.

“I started volunteering at my local Children’s Centre helping out at different group sessions and I also began helping the PTA at my daughter’s school.

"I then started volunteering for the Benn Partnership Centre, supporting weekly drop-in sessions for other Syrian families who have been resettled by offering them advice.

“I am so happy to now help volunteer with the council during the virus outbreak. It’s a great way to have new experiences. It’s very rewarding.”