First steps
What we’re witnessing is that local action creates real impact. Communities across the UK are opening their doors and showing the world what true welcome looks like.
Jasmine O’Connor, Chief Executive of Reset
Community Sponsorship is a testament to the generosity and compassion of people across the UK. This is where you can find out how start your own sponsorship group, or how to get in touch with an established group nearby. Together, we can create a more welcoming and supportive society for refugees seeking a fresh start.
Community Sponsorship is a pioneering initiative that enables local communities across the UK to directly support refugee families as they rebuild their lives in safety. Launched by the UK government in 2016, this scheme allows groups of volunteers to take an active role in welcoming and integrating a refugee family into their community.
Community Sponsorship groups provide practical support from the moment a family arrives in the UK, helping them find housing, register with essential services, access education and employment, and become part of the local community. This grassroots approach ensures that refugees have the best possible start to their new lives, surrounded by a supportive network of people who genuinely care about their well-being and success.
Why you should get involved
Build Stronger Communities
Community Sponsorship fosters connections and friendships, helping to create inclusive and diverse neighbourhoods.Gain New Skills and Experiences
Volunteering in a sponsorship group offers valuable experience in organising, problem-solving, and working across cultures.Be Part of a Global Movement
The UK’s Community Sponsorship scheme is part of a wider international effort to support refugees through community-led initiatives.Find Meaning and Purpose
Many volunteers describe their involvement in Community Sponsorship as one of the most fulfilling things they have ever done.
Starting up your own group
Starting your own Community Sponsorship group gives you the opportunity to shape the support provided to a refugee family in a way that best suits your local community. By taking the lead, you and your group can create a welcoming environment tailored to the needs of the family, ensuring they have the best possible chance to thrive.
Forming a group also strengthens local bonds and fosters teamwork. Working together towards a shared goal brings people from different backgrounds and experiences closer, creating friendships and a lasting impact within your community. It’s an empowering experience that demonstrates the power of collective action in making meaningful change.
How to Get Started
Recruiting the right volunteers is a key step in forming a successful Community Sponsorship group. You’ll need a diverse team with a range of skills and experiences, from those who can help with fundraising and administration to people who can offer practical support such as language assistance or finding suitable housing. It’s important to establish clear roles and responsibilities within the group to ensure that each volunteer feels valued and knows how they can contribute effectively.
The application process helps you through all the things you’ll need to think about – getting you ready for each stage of the journey. Think of it as a really helpful tick list rather than an application form – and if you get stuck we’re here to help and we even take you through it with the first stage of our training developed just for you.
Find out more by checking out our online guide to the application process here.
I knew someone who had done Community Sponsorship and loved the way it had involved a whole community in preparing for/ongoing support of the family. Personally I wanted to help change the negative narratives I was hearing in the news at the time around refugees and felt that a community led approach which involved local people directly encountering people with lived experience of displacement was a powerful way of doing this.
Community Sponsorship volunteer explaining why they first got involved
Connecting with an Existing Group
If you’re keen to help but don’t feel ready to start your own group, consider joining an existing Community Sponsorship group near you. Many groups across the UK welcome additional volunteers and would greatly appreciate your support.
By connecting with an established group, you can contribute in a way that suits your availability and skills—whether it’s helping a family settle in, assisting with language support, fundraising, or offering professional expertise. Working with an existing team is a great way to gain experience and learn more about Community Sponsorship before deciding if you’d like to take on a leadership role in the future.
If you’d like to find out more about groups in your area – we’re here to help. Drop us a line