Community groups have come together to offer support for the first Syrian families who arrived in Aberdeen.
Faith groups, community organisations and the third sector have joined forces to greet families who arrived from Syria to Aberdeen last month.
And now, following expressions from the public to offer help, a Donations Account has been set up by NESCU, the North-east Scotland Credit Union and the Presbytery of Aberdeen.
Chairwoman of Aberdeen Community Planning Partnership, which is coordinating the arrivals of refugees, Councillor Jenny Laing said: “We would like to extend a warm welcome to those who arrived to the city.
“We are proud to be able to offer support and stability to families who have endured hardship and turmoil over the past number of years.
“Every effort is being made to ensure Syrian refugees are able to integrate in their local communities at the earliest opportunity.
“The partnership, along with the third sector, faith communities and the universities, have been working hard over the past number of months in preparation for their arrival and we have received huge support from the community.
“This avenue has now been launched for those who expressed a wish to offer support.”
Church and Society Convener of the Presbytery of Aberdeen Rev Hugh Wallace said: “The collaborative working of Aberdeen City Council, community and faith groups has formed a strong and positive alliance, offering each other’s expertise and distinctive contributions.
“The on-going support to integrate and help settle each set of families and individuals needs to be sustained, and so it will be an opportunity for the Christian community and other community groups to demonstrate the depth of their care and the value of their contribution to this humanitarian crisis.”​
The refugees in Aberdeen are coming from Syria as part of the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation (VPR) Scheme.
Syria has the highest number of both displaced people at 7.6million and also refugees at 3.88million at the end of 2014.
Last year, Aberdeen City Council agreed to offer shelter to refugees from the war-torn country last year and will welcome 100 individuals in total over the next 12 months.
Of those who arrived, private housing has been secured to offer accommodation and funds have been made available by the Home Office to cover any costs.
Anyone wishing to donate by cheque should make them payable to North East Scotland Credit Union Ltd. and sent to its Head Office, at 7 Finnan Place, Aberdeen, AB11 8RG, and quoting Reference 10020/1.
As from 18 April 2016, the Head Office is being relocated to 24 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DR.
Donations can also be made by bank transfer or on-line transfer quoting the following Sort Code: 60 - 83 – 01 Account No: 2013990 Our Ref: 10020/1. The name of the person making the payment for on-line transfers should also be included.