The civil war in Syria has seen unimaginable suffering for millions of people, as they face the effects of frontline conflict and the subsequent impact on their lives of displacement from their homes and communities.

All of this has brought the vital work of our refugee teams here into even sharper relief, as we continue to help families to resettle in Northern Ireland and establish new lives for themselves.

How Extern has helped refugees find safety and a new future

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One success story in particular has been the Extern Eagles football team, which is comprised of young people from the Syrian refugee community who regularly participate in matches against local teams.

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Giving homes and hope

Extern is one of three main delivery partners in the provision of this specialised resettlement support to individuals and families arriving under the UK Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme (VPRS).

Staff are based in Derry/Londonderry, Greater Belfast and the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council areas, and in  2019/2020 Extern supported the arrival and local orientation of 121 adults and 97 children.

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Hope for the future

Our Refugee Floating Support project support children and families with housing, benefits/financial and budgetary management, health, education, legal status, training and employment, family reunification and community integration.

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Starting new lives

Our Refugee Resettlement project supported 106 people to settle into their new homes in Co.Meath and integrate into the local community.

Since the programme began in 2017, Extern has provided a range of tailored supports, aimed at building capacity in both the refugee population and in local authority service providers through:

• education
• representation
• advocacy
• professional support
• practical experience

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STAND UP FOR REFUGEES

You can help refugees to rebuild their lives in the Northern Ireland by making a donation today.