How we help families on national resettlement schemes – a case study

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 mother in her forties and a son in his early twenties who had fled Afghanistan to Iran and had arrived in the UK from Iran. They moved into temporary accommodation in South Oxfordshire in October 2024. 

Any challenges? 

The mother couldn’t speak English and suffered low moods due to trauma. The son had long term stress related stomach problems. He took responsibility for them both as he spoke some English. 

How was this overcome? 

We supported the family with securing benefits, food parcels and English Language lessons. We also helped with healthcare issues and employment support.  

What happened next? 

The son improved his English, got familiar with a local area and took swimming classes to improve his mental and physical health. He took classes at the Active Learning in Oxford and sat GSCE exams in Maths, English and Computer Science with plans to take A levels and go on to university next year. He got himself part-time job in the evening, passed his driving test and bought his first car.  

The mother learned English at language classes at the Abingdon and Witney college and secured her first job in UK. Like her son she also started driving lessons. She is employed in a warehouse but has plans to attend college to study accountancy. Both reported improvements in their health compared with when they first arrived in the temporary accommodation five months previously. 

In February 2025 the pair moved into long term accommodation in Didcot.  

Case officer report:

“Reflecting on my time working with this family, I am moved by the incredible resilience and growth I have witnessed. Starting new life in UK is very stressful, and what stands out to me the most is the way the son stepped up to support his mother. He demonstrated maturity far beyond his years. He was proactive, patient, making sure his mother felt secure and understood. He is truly inspiring young man and witnessing his personal development and how much he grown to improve his own life has made me feel incredibly proud. “