Enabling community groups to welcome and support refugees
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been supporting resettled refugees around the world for nearly 100 years. In the UK, we offer comprehensive training to all UK-based Community Sponsorship groups, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to best support newly arrived families.
What is community sponsorship?
Community sponsorship enables community groups to directly welcome and support a resettled family into their local community. It is designed and delivered in partnership with local communities and promotes positive resettlement outcomes, both for the resettled families and for those who support them.
Refugees resettled through the Community Sponsorship Scheme complement those resettled to local authorities through the UKRS, underlining the critical role that communities can play in the global response to humanitarian crises.
What does the training include?
The training includes six core sessions and an optional one, which are listed below. In addition to these, we offer further support on a variety of topics, delivered as training or in the form of resources. See below for more information.
Core Training Sessions
1. Introduction Session (optional) An overview of the Community Sponsorship programme, including the roles and responsibilities of sponsor groups.
2. Introduction to Data Management An introduction to collecting, storing, and using data effectively to support your sponsorship work.
3. Part 1: The Application A step-by-step guide to completing the application form to become a Community Sponsor group.
4. Safeguarding An introduction to effective safeguarding practices, with a focus on creating a safe and supportive environment for families.
5. Pre-Arrival: The First 72 Hours Guidance on how to best support a newly arrived family during their first 72 hours in the UK and in their new home.
6. Post-Arrival Support Covers local orientation, building community connections, and understanding ongoing responsibilities as a sponsor group.
7. Trauma-Informed Care and Cultural Competence Introduces the principles of trauma-informed care and cultural competence to help you provide the best possible support for resettled families.
What is needed to sign up?
Either the Home Office or your Principal Sponsor will refer you into this programme. If you have not been referred you will not be able to access the training.
If you have not been referred but are interested in community sponsorship you can visit the UK Government's guidance for community sponsorship.
