Bath and North East Somerset Council has awarded The Care Forum (TCF) the contract to lead the Refugee Volunteer Coordination programme for the next two years. This project aims to support refugees and displaced communities in the area through an inclusive, collaborative approach that harnesses the strengths of local communities in B&NES.
The programme will seek to enhance the support that B&NES Council’s Resettlement Team provides to refugees and displaced communities in the B&NES area. The focus will be on creating meaningful connections between refugees and local volunteer networks, ensuring they have access to the additional support and opportunities they need to thrive. TCF is committed to working in partnership with B&NES Council’s Resettlement Team, voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations, health partners, and hyper-local community groups to deliver a robust and responsive complimentary support system.
Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of B&NES Council stated:
I have been immensely proud of the community of Bath and North East Somerset, and the warm welcome that has been offered to displaced communities from residents and organisations such as Bath Welcomes Refugees. Many residents have opened up their homes to those in need, or helped in other ways. This project gives our residents the chance to help refugees in a range of different ways – whether they be from Ukraine, Afghanistan or other parts of the world, when they need some support to help them to settle and adjust as they start to rebuild their lives. I would urge anyone from Bath and North East Somerset who would like to be involved in this project to contact TCF and find out about the different volunteer roles that are available.
TCF CEO, Kevin Peltonen-Messenger expressed his enthusiasm:
We are honoured to have been entrusted with this important work. Refugees and displaced communities bring immense resilience and potential to our communities, and this programme provides an opportunity to help create a welcoming environment for all. Collaboration with local groups and stakeholders will be at the heart of this initiative, ensuring that we deliver real, positive change.
TCF is engaging with local organisations, volunteers, and stakeholders to lay the groundwork for this transformative programme.
For more information or to get involved in supporting this initiative, please contact:
Info@thecareforum.org.uk