Refugee paints a picture of war-torn Syria

Faten also outlined the support received from the people of Furness.


Members of the Rotary Club of Furness recently heard the story of how Faten Almregawe escaped war-torn Syria with her husband and two sons in 2019.  

The story was fascinating and at times harrowing.

Faten spoke little English when she arrived but she and her family have turned around their lives. 

Before the Covid pandemic, Faten spent time in schools, helping young people to understand what it is like to leave a war.

Her husband, Mahmoud, has also launched a successful gardening business.

Faten and Mahmoud's tale is by no means the only success story amongst families helped to settle in Furness by the volunteer group Furness Refugee Support.

One Syrian woman is now in her final year of a maths degree at Leeds University and plans to be a teacher.

Another Syrian mum has just started volunteering at the mums and tots group at the Salvation army and plans to start a health and social care course at Furness College next September.

Her husband has recently completed a work trial delivering meals for a local restaurant.

Now Furness Refugee Support is ready to help new arrivals, this time from Afghanistan.

But volunteers were shocked when the first Afghan family arrived in Furness with nothing.

"The first Afghan family to come here a few weeks ago didn't even have warm clothes - not even a coat for their baby," said Linda Wood, a founder member of Furness Refugee Support.

"More families will be arriving soon and we expect they will have nothing either."

It takes two to three months for the Department of Work and Pensions to sort out benefits for new refugees, explained Mrs Wood.

She said: "They get a small amount a week from the county council while they wait, but not enough to buy everything they need.

"We had to find the new family children's clothes, shoes, coats - even furniture and cooking equipment, as the council provide just the very basics.

"We have regular fundraising events but more is always needed"

The group has supported ten families - six have moved on for a variety of reasons - and expects to welcome three or four more Afghan families.

Retired Barrow GP Liz Nugent is involved with the support group and accompanied Faten to the meeting.

She said: "We have all made lifelong friends and we love Syrian food.

"The families really appreciate what we do - they often make us delicious meals - but nothing can possibly make up for their experiences before leaving their homes and on their journeys here.

"The children have all settled well into schools and are taking part in football clubs, a gym and the youth club at Furness Multi Cultural Community Forum.

"The families all help and support each other."

Article and main photo courtesy of the Evening Mail.

Our club has since donated £500 to the Community Forum. 

 

'What We Do' Main Pages:

A popular view of Furness Abbey

more