British Red Cross VOICES Network report: hearing the voices of sponsored families

The report found that:

• Better pre-departure and immediate arrival induction information was needed for families.
• Interpretation support was highly valued by those who participated, and greater involvement of bilingual volunteers in Community Sponsorship groups was recommended.
• An increase in training and volunteering opportunities would be welcomed.
• The lack of a family-reunification pathway to bring loved ones to the UK caused concern and worry to those resettled.
• Families who participated in this phase of the report wanted a deeper understanding of how services work in the UK, such as the health care system. This understanding would help them learn how to navigate these services independently.
• There is a strong desire for increased opportunities to learn and practice English outside of a formal learning environment.

We are taking time to reflect on these findings, and will be following up with our next steps.