Resettlement In An Unsettling Time

What’s it like being a Refugee Resettlement Key Worker during lockdown?

Ruth describes the challenging and inspiring moments of working with Syrian families on their resettlement journey over the last few months.

When lockdown hit, I was worried for our Syrian families under the SVPR (Syrian Vulnerable Person Resettlement) scheme that we support at Upbeat.

Normally, I would see families at least once a week and help them with anything ranging from attending appointments to filling out forms, and calling departments on their behalf -  all things that can only be done in person! How were the families going to cope without us seeing them face-to-face?

However, there was no choice but to transition to remote support and I have been amazed at our families’ adaptability and achievements during this time.

Whilst I was always there to support via Zoom, many families had to try and take on things themselves they hadn't needed to until now, like getting themselves to appointments, filling out their own forms by hand, and making calls that they previously would not have felt confident to do.

Whilst lockdown has provided many challenges, and I miss seeing the families face to face, it has been so inspiring to see the families grow in independence and watch how lockdown has required them to try and tackle new challenges on their own.

And they have succeeded! I am very proud of all that they have faced and overcome, and confident that their independence and ability will only grow as they continue to settle here in the UK.

— Ruth Summerfield, Refugee Resettlement Key Worker