CAMPAIGNERS were able to give members of the public up-to-date information about the imminent arrival of Syrian families to South Cumbria by setting up a stall in Kendal as part of Refugee Week.

Displaced families are expected this autumn as part of the government’s scheme to assist in the re-settlement of vulnerable people direct from the refugee camps to places of safety.

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Representatives from Amnesty International, Global Justice Now, and the South Lakes More in Common group set up the 'Refugees Welcome Here' stall at the Birdcage at the top of Finke Street. They said that they were delighted by the response they received from passers-by during the four hours the stall was in situ.

Photos from the Magnum Agency and information cards were hung around the Birdcage for people to read. Some pledged offers of support to help the incoming refugees feel welcome and to create ways to integrate with the host communities. These included singing together, friendship walks, play therapy and sharing food that has been jointly prepared.

South Lakeland District Council is preparing for the Syrians’ arrival and to ensure that all the necessary services are in place has set up a local support group that will include community representatives.

Dave Plumb, who organised the stall initiative, said: “It is clear from conversations that we had on the street that compassion for the plight of people fleeing for their lives is alive and well in Kendal, and that there is a real appetite to do something positive to help.”