How we help families on national resettlement schemes – two case studies

There are government schemes in place to resettle Afghan families and individuals in the UK. The schemes prioritise: 

• those who have assisted the UK efforts in Afghanistan and stood up for values such as democracy, women’s rights and freedom of speech, rule of law; and 
• vulnerable people, including women and girls at risk, and members of minority groups at risk. 

Who needed help? 

A family comprising a couple and their three children arrived in 2024 from Afghanistan, via Pakistan and a refugee camp. They moved into temporary accommodation in the Vale in September 2024. 

Any challenges? 

At first the family could not read or write in either English or Pashto (language widely spoken by in Afghanistan and Pakistan). They were unfamiliar with modern household appliances eg electric cooker, microwave, and washing machine. The children needed school places. The family initially felt isolated but attended a drop-in service for migrants and were soon engaging with others. 

How was this overcome? 

We supported the family with administrative tasks and encouraged them to attend events, and they were soon engaging with others. We helped them sign up with a GP and register for school places. Early on, they required regular coaching and guidance.  

What happened next? 

The three children started school shortly after moving in. Although they were in different year groups, the school allowed them to learn together. Each day after school, they would teach their parents what they had learned. To support his own learning, the father bought an educational toy from a local charity shop to help him learn basic English and practise phonics. Over time, the children became more confident and progressed independently. 

The family have since become close to other families. They take turns hosting celebrations during Eid, and the women have encouraged each other to attend English language classes. 

The father has been determined to find work, travelling to industrial estates and approaching businesses directly. Despite repeated setbacks, he is now employed by a major supermarket chain.  He is also learning to drive. 

The family is now living semi-independently and require only limited support from our team. They moved out of the temporary accommodation into social housing in December 2025. 

Case study two – A family of six who had fled Afghanistan

Who needed help?

A family comprising a couple in their forties and their four children aged between nine and 18 arrived in the UK having fled Afghanistan.

They moved into temporary accommodation in the Vale in November 2023. Any challenges? 

The family couldn’t speak English, which made life hard at first. In addition, they were coping with ongoing concerns for relatives who remained overseas. The father who had been a geography teacher for 16 years before leaving Afghanistan, felt the pressure of the responsibility to support his family financially.  

How was this overcome? 

We supported the family with administrative tasks such as how to pay rent and energy bills and encouraged them to attend English Language classes and they were signed up with a GP and registered for school places.  

What happened next? 

The family wanted to become financially independent and build a stable future in the UK. The father has successfully completed the required tests to become a taxi driver. He has also enrolled on an electrician training course in Bicester with the long-term goal of becoming self-employed and generating a sustainable income for his family.  Both parents are currently working and actively advocate this to other families within the Afghan community to reduce reliance on benefits and increase independence. The mother is participating in women’s groups, showcasing cultural fashion. She is also progressing with her English language skills and is attending a business course. 

The children are flourishing in school; one aspires to become a dentist; another has excelled at sport (winning a trophy for cricket player of the season); one son is studying at college but also working so he can buy his first car.  The family moved into their permanent accommodation with Sovereign Housing Association in March 2024. 

Case officer commented

Their unwavering spirit and hope for a brighter future were evident in their interactions and the warmth they shared with others.  Through their eagerness to contribute cooking at council-run events and desire to teach people their home language. This family has inspired me on what hospitality, resilience and kindness looks like.