OIC appeal for Arabic speakers

Orkney Islands Council is asking Arabic speakers living in the county to get in touch if they can help with efforts to support families caught up in the conflict in Syria.

The UK Government has accepted an offer from the council to provide homes for two families living in refugee camps in the Middle East, after being forced to flee their own homes by the fighting.

It is anticipated that two families could begin the process of making a new home in Orkney sometime during 2017.

An Inter-Agency Syrian Resettlement Programme Working Group was formed last year by The Orkney Partnership, to ensure co-ordinated and effective resettlement plans are in place.

A range of support measures are being developed and will be implemented by public agencies and the voluntary sector in Orkney. As well as housing, these include help with health, language, schooling and the many adaptations the refugee families will need to make following their change in circumstances.

“It would be good to know if there are Arabic speakers in Orkney who might be able to help in one way or another,” said Frances Troup, the OIC’s  head of housing.

“If anyone from our community who speaks Arabic would like to get in touch, we would be delighted to hear from them.”

To do this, please phone 01856 873535 extension 2153 or send an email to marie.love@orkney.gov.uk