Irlam & Cadishead Communities Together are raising money to help welcome a refugee family into our community. We came together because we wanted to do something for families we had seen on television fleeing conflict and persecution. Many families face the choice of moving from one vulnerable situation to another or bringing up children in refugee camps. We wanted to do something practical to help.

So we are applying to the Home Office to resettle a family, through the Community Sponsorship scheme. The family will already have refugee status but will be waiting for a place in this country.

Under the current scheme, we need to raise £12,000 before the Home Office grant final approval to our application. We'll then be expected to use the money to cover immediate expenses after the family arrives and ongoing expenses over the following year or two.

Some examples of how the money will be spent are :

Securing a home for the family

Furnishing and buying equipment for the house

Warm and waterproof clothing on arrival

Interpreter costs

English lessons

Retraining needed to get a job

Transport costs to register the family with doctors, schools and essential services

Food and sustenance to keep the family until they are settled and able to be independent

We are aiming to help the family become independent as quickly as possible and we are there to help them integrate and resettle in our community. We have a history of welcoming refugees in Manchester and we want to continue that proud tradition.

Any and every amount donated will be welcome. Thank you so much.