The first half of 2025 has been an extremely busy time for the charity. The year began with a celebration in January, bringing together families, volunteers and friends to mark the achievements of ERSC in 2024 and look forward with collective energy and excitement to 2025. In addition to supporting the first two families, we received permission to welcome a third family and also became the lead sponsor for a new Community Sponsorship group in Glasgow.
At the start of the year, maths tuition was arranged for the son of the first family to help him. The kids are very settled and are enjoying school and participating in different sport and leisure activities in their local area. We are working hard to ensure they are able to remain there once their current lease runs out. An Eid celebration dinner was held for both families which all enjoyed.
We were delighted to welcome a number of new volunteers and secure a flat ahead of the arrival of a third family through the UK Community Sponsorship Scheme. The young lady from Burundi arrived in late March and has settled in well so far, making friends and attending a number of different events including a visit to the Royal Yacht Brittania, musical concerts and museums. The young woman from the second family has also been keen to help with the latest resettlement; this has been beneficial for her confidence and it has been lovely to see such a nice friendship developing between them.
A few weeks ago, one of the families embarked on a trip to London. They were able to go on an open-top bus tour and boat trip to see many of the sights, fulfilling a lifelong ambition in the process.
A student from the University of Edinburgh is doing a research internship with ERSC to explore the experiences of both refugees and volunteers involved in the Community Sponsorship Scheme. Her research focuses on how relationships between volunteers and families develop over time and how these relationships influence individuals and wider social integration. We look forward to hearing the findings of her work in due course and taking any learnings forward.
We are extremely excited that permission has been received from the Home Office for us to have a fourth resettlement. Plans are advanced with additional volunteers coming onboard, ahead of an expected arrival in late August.
A barbecue is taking place in July to mark the 5-year anniversary of ERSC. A summer camping trip is also planned, we just hope the Scottish weather will oblige!
