Ceredigion residents are being encouraged to consider taking part in a community sponsorship scheme to host Syrian refugees.

Community sponsorship was launched in 2016 and gives power to local volunteer groups to resettle a refugee family in their community.

Two community sponsorship schemes – Aberaid and Croeso Teifi – have already been established in Ceredigion. Both schemes have resettled two families each.

Lindsey Gilroy, from Aberystwyth’s Aberaid, said: “It’s not easy. You have to raise at least £9,000 to cover costs like translation, furnishing the house and English lessons.

“You also have to get approval from Ceredigion County Council – they need to be confident that you are an organisation that is capable of providing the ongoing support that the families need.”

“However despite the challenges, community sponsorship is an incredibly empowering and transformative process of taking leadership from the bottom up.

"We are all used to demanding action from government but community sponsorship enables people to take matters into their own hands and do it themselves, which is hugely positive.”

For more information about community sponsorship, go to www.gov.uk/government­/publications/apply-for-full-community-sponsorship or speak to Cathryn Morgan at Ceredigion County Council by calling 01545 570881 or emailing cathryn.morgan­@ceredigion.gov.uk

The council is looking for another two properties in the private rented sector to meet their pledge to resettle 50 refugees in Ceredigion by the end of 2019. If you can help at all, contact Cathryn Morgan.

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