We all had a wonderful Christmastime here at Caritas… and here’s to 2020!

As you may have already seen, the Home Secretary has confirmed the UK’s plans for resettlement set to commence in 2020.

The announcement marks the UK’s continued commitment to resettling refugees in need of protection, and our commitment to enable community sponsors to continue welcoming and supporting refugees. A significant development of the announcement is that refugees resettled through Community Sponsorship will be in addition to the Government’s resettlement commitment.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-global-resettlement-scheme-for-the-most-vulnerable-refugees-announced

From 2020, the new resettlement scheme will consolidate the Vulnerable Persons’ Resettlement Scheme, the Vulnerable Children’s Resettlement Scheme and the Gateway Protection Programme into one global scheme.

The new programme will be simpler to operate and provide greater consistency in the way that the UK Government resettles refugees. It will broaden the geographical focus beyond the Middle East and North Africa, allowing for greater flexibility in how the UK responds to humanitarian crises.

Following the announcement, the Home Office will be reaching out to sponsor groups and stakeholders on how the new developments within Community Sponsorship will be implemented and delivered.

We recognise the positive difference community sponsorship has made to the lives of refugees resettled in the UK, and to the communities that have welcomed them. On 17th June, the Home Secretary met with faith leaders on resettlement, asylum, and faith-based persecution, and the Immigration Minister also met with resettled refugees in Lambeth and those who support their integration into communities. We take pride in the positive and collaborative relationship that we have with community sponsors and appreciate the valuable input that your groups have had in supporting its development. It is only made possible by the dedication, hard work and compassion of community sponsor groups across the UK and we thank you for this.

Wednesday 24 th October 2018 marked the day our new premises were blessed by The Right Reverend, Bishop Mark Davies.

A small, family affair, the Blessing took place at Caritas’ new offices in Seacombe, Wirral. Bishop Mark led a short service followed by the blessing of those gathered and the crucifix which now hangs proudly in the entrance corridor.

We were joined by friends and supporters old and new, including; Trustees, members of the Laity and long standing supporters of the work of the organisation.

Don’t worry, we’ll be hosting Open Days very soon, so watch this space!