There are over 27 million refugees in the world. This number can feel overwhelming, but Community Sponsorship is a tangible way that your church and people in your community can become directly involved in the resettlement of a newly arrived refugee family in your local area.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby became the UK’s first community sponsor when he welcomed a refugee family into Lambeth Palace in 2016…

…and the parish of St Monica’s, Flixton, in Greater Manchester, became the second.

Frequently asked questions

The scheme enables community groups to be directly involved with supporting the resettlement of a refugee family in the UK.

This model of private sponsorship by local community groups is the second of its kind in the world, modelled on the Canadian resettlement scheme, and has been running in the UK since 2016.

There are over 320 Community Sponsorship groups in the UK, and so far almost 1000 refugees have been welcomed through Community Sponsorship.

Each family that comes into the country through Community Sponsorship is in addition to any refugees resettled by the government. This means that if your community welcomes a family of refugees through Community Sponsorship, then you will be welcoming a family that otherwise may not get to be resettled to the UK.

As a Community Sponsorship group, you will support a resettled family from the moment of arrival in the UK, providing formal support for up to 1 year, and housing for 2 years.

The whole process is supported by the charity RESET who work with prospective groups towards gaining Home Office approval for the resettlement of a family. The criteria for Home Office approval includes:-

  • fundraising at least £9,000
  • obtaining local authority consent
  • creating a resettlement plan and securing accommodation for a family.

Once approval has been obtained from the Home Office, the Home Office work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to identify a family for resettlement. Once this has taken place then resettlement begins with the sponsorship group meeting the family at the airport.

The benefits for the refugees are above all the social connections made, as well as practical assistance with navigating a new life in the UK such as help with registering for a GP, applying for school places, or accessing English language lessons.

There are also so many benefits for those in the Community Sponsorship group. Those within the Diocese who have taken part in Community Sponsorship refer to it as a deeply humbling experience and an opportunity to learn a huge amount.

Latest film resources on Community Sponsorship

Community Sponsorship- insights from a church community

This 3 minute film profiles a church community who share their experience of welcoming a family from Syria through Community Sponsorship. This has been an ecumenical partnership between the local Anglican and Roman Catholic churches.

A short introduction to Community Sponsorship

This stand-alone training provides an overview of Community Sponsorship, insights from a church community who share their experience of welcoming a family from Syria, plus an understanding of the support and resources available.

How can my church find out more about community sponsorship?

If you are interested in joining or starting a Community Sponsorship group in your local area you can contact us in the Compassionate Communities Team. We can provide further information and talk to you about next steps.

If desired, can link you with other church communities who have already welcomed refugees under Community Sponsorship, or where there are existing local groups.

Contact us