Refugees to begin settling in Cumbria this month

Cumbria County Council says 'a small number' will initially be housed in Eden and Carlisle - with more expected to arrive in South Lakeland over the financial year.

Support for the refugees is funded by the Home Office as part of a national resettlement scheme which aims to bring 20,000 of the most vulnerable people to the UK by 2020.

The county is expected to welcome 285 refugees over the next three years.

Individuals eligible for the Government's 'vulnerable persons' relocation scheme are granted five years humanitarian protection.

This means they are eligible to work and have access to welfare benefits.

After this time some refugees may wish to stay in Cumbria and will need to apply to the Government for indefinite leave to stay in the country.

Local councils have been working closely with statutory and third sector partners to prepare for the families’ arrival and ensure that they are appropriately supported.

This includes:

• Specialist case workers and interpreters

• Appropriate housing

• Availability of school places

• Support with health needs

• Employment and benefits

The families are being housed in the two areas primarily because of the availability of suitable accommodation.

The aim is to support them to integrate into local communities with as 'little fuss and attention' drawn to their arrival as possible, said a council spokesperson.

This means:

• protecting the families’ anonymity;

• respecting their privacy; and

• supporting them to access support to help them settle into the UK.

"We know that community groups and local volunteers are keen to offer support, many have already," said the spokesperson. "We have all of this information and as the refugees settle in the county they will be informed about what is on offer in their communities and introductions will be made to local groups if refugees want to access this support.

"If additional support is required we request this via our website www.cumbria.gov.uk/refugees."