The Syrian refugee families who have been re-homed in Bute have seen a real improvement in their health in year four of the resettlement programme.
However, distance to travel to hospital and telephone interpreters can still cause frustration, an update before Argyll and Bute Council today reveals.
The full council will hear about the year four evaluation of the Argyll and Bute resettlement programme.
In a report before members, Morag Brown, business improvement manager, writes: “The Refugee Resettlement Programme in Argyll and Bute commenced in December 2015 when our first Syrian refugee families were resettled on the Island of Bute.
“To date we have resettled 31 families in total on Bute. Thirteen families have
subsequently moved from the island either to join relatives elsewhere in the
UK or for employment and we currently have 18 families, 76 individuals, living
in Rothesay.”
The Syrian people now living in Rothesay were asked to evaluate the support they have received from the council.
Ms Brown continues: “Families are seeing a real improvement in their health though distance to travel to hospital and telephone interpreters can still cause frustration. Families continue to be complimentary about the health professionals who support them.”
Once the five year visa ends they will be entitled to apply for settlement in the UK. If their application is successful, they will be granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK.