Communities for Palestinians UK
To welcome Palestinians into our communities to save lives and build a better future for all
A campaign for a community-led welcome for Palestinians
We are a coalition of individuals, community groups and organisations. We are witnessing, with intense alarm, the situation being faced by our many friends, colleagues and relatives in Gaza. We share an urgent and sincere wish to alleviate their suffering and help them recover.
Tragically the ceasefire turned out to be just slower killing with worsening conditions. Nothing is let in to restore homes, health or a future. Moments of hope are quickly snuffed out by renewed bombing and steadily reducing land for the crowded tents.
We know from experience that our communities have the power and passion to welcome people who are fleeing destruction and allow their children to heal and rebuild their lives in safety.
Through this campaign, we are building momentum from the bottom up.
The UK Government has announced new safe and legal routes for recognised refugees, including community sponsorship, study, and work pathways. These routes are expected to roll out from 2027, with further details on eligibility and the application process to be announced.
Together, we can demonstrate the power and will of local communities to welcome our global friends and neighbours.
Our Mission
We support Named Community Sponsorship as a pathway for communities to nominate and welcome the refugees they wish to support as they rebuild their lives in safety, dignity, and stability.
Community sponsorship was introduced into the UK in 2016, at the time for Syrians. Named Sponsorship is a development that allows communities to name the people they want to welcome and integrate. It follows the popular Canadian model which has been running for 50 years and is the main way that refugees enter Canada.
How Community Sponsorship Works
Named Community Sponsorship places communities at the heart of refugee resettlement. Sponsor groups help secure accommodation, support families as they settle, and assist with access to services, education, and employment.
Community Action
Across the UK, communities seeking to sponsor Palestinian families are preparing for the new scheme by raising funds, identifying accommodation, working with local authorities, and building teams to support families.
Community Meetings
community meetings are happening across the country to prepare to welcome families
Call to Action
Join or start a community team to welcome a family
You can join the relevant WhatsApp chats, we have:
- Chat campaigning to get permission, announce events, relevant discussion
- Chat for lead coordinators of teams – updates to share with teams etc
- Chat to meet and share stories with families wanting to come here.
- Community teams have their own chat
Team Activities – not in a fixed order
You can get help with every step by others on the same journey.
- Finding a home (see below)
- Find 3 or more local people wanting to help
- Set up a WhatsApp group for the team
- Register and join trainings (free online set of 2 hour sessions with a choice of times)
- Find a family - Join the Bridge chat to meet families, or view the private profiles
- Expand the team, produce a leaflet, meet with council and organisations, hold events
- Ensure you have the skills you need – ESOL teachers, compliance and policies person
- Fundraising – ask local musicians and performers, join events with a stall
- Join a lead sponsor organisation which will liaise with the Home Office
- Fill in the existing application form to be ready
FINDING A HOME in a housing crisis
Needed:
- Homes large and small - ask everyone
- Where possible bring houses not currently available to rent into play eg. Private homes people are willing to share, sub-divide or move out of temporarily
- Empty buildings eg disused school, pub, shop, house needing investment to be habitable
- Buy a house or a share in one, to rent out.
Community-led welcome is within our power.
- community groups forming to welcome families.
Everyone can start one. (more about community sponsorship)
Get in touch
communitiesforpalestiniansuk@gmail.com
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