ASHTEAD CHURCHES COMMUNITY TRUST
UPDATES
Update January 2020 : Having received full approval from the Home Office we welcomed a family of five on June 13th 2019. The three children were 7 (girl), 5 (boy) and 18 months (girl). The two eldest children started school at Barnett Wood Infants just five days after landing and just loved being in school. With a great team of volunteers we were able to start teaching Mum and Dad English over the summer holidays and engage the children in various play activities which encouraged them to learn English. In September the 7 year old girl moved up to Greville School and has continued to do really well in school. The youngest girl turned 2 in September and started at Barnett Wood Pre-School, she loves going to "school" each day.
The eldest girl turned 8 in September and is now part of Ashtead Ballet School, Brownies and is taking swimming lessons on a Friday. The boy turned 6 in January, he enjoys foodtball and swimming lessons.
Mum and Dad are working hard at their English. They both attend Kingston College and also do extra lessons outside of this to fast track their learning. They were both moved up in their English classes at Christmas which is great progress.
The family have been welcomed so warmly in to Ashtead and have developed lots of friendships. ACCT are so grateful for the warm welcome that has been extended to them and are enjoying seeing the family settle so well in to Ashtead and rebuilding their lives.
PLANNING UPDATE:
RE-SETTLEMENT PLAN & COUNCIL APPROVAL
The re-settlement plan has been approved by Mole Valley and Surrey County Councils.
PROPERTY
A property has been purchased by a sympathetic supporter. ACCT have helped them manage renovations and the property is now ready to receive a family.
FORMAL APPLICATION TO THE HOME OFFICE
Following the pre-approval meeting with the Home Office in February 2019 we have now been fully approved as a Community Sponsorship Group
VOLUNTEERS AND TRAINING
The Core Group have received training and have attended a number of courses. We have more training booked in 2019.
WHAT WE NEED:
MONTHLY PLEDGES TO TOP UP THE RENT
The family arriving here will be subject to the benefits cap which is deducted from their rent allowance. We are looking for people to offer a monthly donation of £5, £10, or whatever you can offer towards supporting the family. We will need to top up their rent by approx. £350 per month for the 2 years they are living here. We anticipate their arrival around January 2019. Once the family are in a position to work then this monthly commitment should be reduced.
SHOPPING LIST FOR THE PROPERTY
Once we get more details about the family that will be coming to Ashtead we intend to put together a shopping list of items needed for the home.
ARABIC SPEAKERS
We have a few Arabic speakers but need one or two more who may be able to support the family when they first arrive and until they master the basics of English.
VOLUNTEERS TO WORK WITH THE FAMILY
We are looking for one or two people who may be able to offer support to the family when they first arrive. If you are free during the week and have an interest in offering some support then please let us know.