In 2022, we were approved by The Home Office and the Executive Office, having had training provided by Reset, an organisation funded by the Home Office to provide training and support to groups like ours. We had raised funds and found a house which could be rented by the family. After our approval, we were matched with an Afghan refugee family identified by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) as in need of resettlement, under the UK’s Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme.

To our delight, the family, a mother with four small children, arrived in June 2023. Our role was to support the family from the moment they stepped off the plane through their first year in Northern Ireland, offering a warm welcome and the practical support they needed to make Holywood their home. With the help of interpreters, we helped them register with medical services, school, English lessons, utilities, bank, benefits and sports clubs, and showed them the playgrounds, beach and local highlights.

The family is now happily settled and have learned very good English. They have shown remarkable resilience, enthusiasm and joy, despite the difficulties of their situation. They have found Holywood a welcoming place. We thank the landlord and the many in Holywood who have contributed in so many ways. Our group have learned so much, and continue with pleasure to act as good neighbours to the family while making sure they continue to build their own links and independence. Group members are also finding ways to make other refugees in Holywood and further afield welcome.