THE LAST family to be housed in Oxford under the Syrian Vulnerable Person Resettlement Scheme have settled in.

Originally from Homs, the mother, father and two young boys want to remain anonymous.

Councillor Christine Simm, Board Member for Supporting Local Communities, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have welcomed the 30th refugee family to Oxford and that the 133 vulnerable refugees resettled through the programme can now call Oxford their home. Under the schemes [the Syrian Vulnerable Person Resettlement Scheme and the Vulnerable Children’s Resettlement Scheme] we have taken more families than any other council in the South East

“We are very proud of the support that our partners at Asylum Welcome, Connection Floating Support, Refugee Resource, and Aspire have given to the families who have arrived, as well as the support that has been shown by local communities, as well as statutory services.

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“Refugees on the Government resettlement programme are very keen to contribute to their community. All of the working age adults are learning English and 14 per cent are already employed, with many others doing voluntary work or engaged in specially designed language programmes to help them enter the workplace."

She continued: “Oxford is a city full of culture and diversity and we hope that this final refugee family finds our city to be a peaceful and accommodating sanctuary.”

Responding to the family's arrival, in mid October, Kate Smart, director of Asylum Welcome, added: "Now that the 30th family has safely arrived in Oxford, a part of Asylum Welcome's work is coming to an end. We'll keep providing help to these families as needed and for the long-term - expert advice, practical support and friendly faces."