Welcoming refugees

Where's the Scout Section located?

The Squirrel Drey is in an area of IMD 1-4. It has a high proportion of White British Squirrels who attend weekly. It has excellent support from volunteers, as well as parent and carer helpers. 

Successes and challenges:

The Squirrel Section leader became aware of Afghan refugee families being moved to the area, after the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. She reached out to a charity who were supporting the families in their relocation and shared what Scouts have to offer, inviting families to have their children attend Scouts.   

One family reached back to the Scout group. The father worked as a translator and, due to his fluent English, was able to engage and become involved. This father has attended Squirrels with his daughter since she joined. He helps to support her to access activities and be included, as she speaks very little English.  

There were barriers, but volunteers suggest it was a series of small acts of kindness that enabled the four-year-old to attend Squirrels.

The turnaround from leaving Afghanistan to being moved to the UK was rapid and left the family with few belongings or financial stability. They live a 45-minute walk away from the Scout venue, so it was not practical to walk there and back every Monday night. 

The Scout volunteer team reached out to their membership and explained the family’s situation asking for some specific support, such as if anybody could commit to bringing her each week. Of course, they did. 

The group then used their own resources to support her financially, through purchasing a car seat and funding her uniform. They're prepared to support her to attend while her family are in need of it.

The new Squirrel is not always non-verbal when attending, although she knows very few English words, so the fact she's beginning to share her likes and dislikes is hugely rewarding. 

When asked her favourite colour, she now picks out the pink crayon and proudly shows off the badges she's achieved. She joined Squirrels in the week she turned four years old and has been thriving ever since.

Her father shares that she loves being a Squirrel and prepares at least an hour early every Monday evening, dressing herself in the uniform.   

The other Squirrels are protective and supportive. The Scout volunteer team say that what they see is pure kindness in their actions and they always include her. Her attendance has enriched the group.

Key steps:

• Keep an eye out for opportunities in the local area and reach out
• Be specific when asking for support from your parents and carers  
• Look to support low-income families, such as funding uniform  
• Make space and welcome parent/carers to actively engage, so they feel they have a voice and are included