A FAMILY who fled war-torn Syria have resettled in Frome and last week spoke out about the ‘warm welcome’ and support they have had in the town.
Thirty-year-old Hazem, together with his wife and two year-old son, was in the first group of refugee arrivals after the Government launched its asylum plan last year. They arrived from Turkey in March last year after fleeing the extreme violence and destruction experienced in the city of Aleppo.
When Hazem arrived, his English was fairly basic and his knowledge of British culture and way of life limited. He said, “On the way to the UK, we felt frightened about the future, about our life and the life of our child. But when we arrived in Frome we felt such a warm welcome that our spirits lifted.”
Eight months later and Hazem’s English is greatly improved. According to him, “In Frome we had to speak in English. There was no choice. We had to learn fast and it was difficult. The accent was unfamiliar. But we have been able to practise our English with volunteers who came to help us.”
Like many Syrians, Hazem’s family is dispersed around the world. His father, some of his siblings and many of his wife’s relatives have not yet been able to leave Syria. They keep in contact via the internet.
“Every day we think about our family members and we feel sad that we are apart.” Hazem said. “Particularly, we feel stressed and fearful about what will happen to our parents, brothers and sisters in Aleppo.”
Dealing with such worries along with the challenges of settling in a foreign country has not been easy. However, Hazem and his family have drawn great support from the group of local volunteers. “Anyone who has friends like the volunteers in Frome will feel safe and settled. The most helpful thing has been their support.
“We are indebted to the UK Government, to the British people in general and to the people around us in Frome. They have accepted us and given us a home with them. We want to give back and contribute to this country. Now and in the future.”
Syria’s deadly civil war started five years ago and has destroyed cities and forced millions of people to flee their homes and many to leave the country.
In 2015 the British Government announced a plan to offer asylum to 20,000 Syrian refugees. Local authorities around the country were given a frontline role in this programme of resettlement. Meanwhile, local groups around Somerset began to discuss how they could assist families arriving in the county.
• There is a public meeting about the local response to Syrian refugees and unaccompanied children on Tuesday 29th November, 7.30pm at Trinity Church, Trinity Street, BA11 3DE. This will be an opportunity to learn more and to discuss opportunities for volunteering.
