The Rural Refugee Network was created by a group of friends who were horrified by the endless news feeds showing the relentless suffering of the refugees. They decided to turn their feelings of hopelessness into action.
They worked to assist the local authorities with implementing resettlement programmes. They persuaded local authorities that accommodation could and would be found, by RRN, for refugees and that those who were brought to our communities would be welcomed and helped to settle. Imagining what it would be like to end up somewhere so different after such a terrible time, they set about sorting out what that help would look like.
Expecting to recruit a few friends and family, they organised an open meeting and found a local community centre full of people who felt the same way, intent on helping to make a difference.
The Rural Refugee Network was born.
“I applaud this initiative, and the creating of local awareness and involvement in how we can help refugees coming here as part of the joint implementation of the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Programme by East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council. A key part will involve finding suitable rented properties and anything we can do to identify those quickly will be of great help.”
