VOLUNTEERS from across Wiltshire have been helping a new group of Syrian refugees feel at home.

The volunteers are part of a multi-agency approach to ensure the refugees have all they need to settle quickly into their new communities and homes.

A group of 14 refugees arrived in June and a further six will join them later this summer.

The latest groups of families and individuals are based all around Wiltshire with each family or person having a volunteer on-hand to support them as they become accustomed to the British way of life.

This time the arrivals were also able to benefit from the help and insight of the eight families (27 individuals) who had already settled in the county last December.

In the few months since they arrived, they are already integrating with their communities and volunteering or gaining work experience as well as preparing to find work.

A special event was held at the Civic Centre in Trowbridge recently where the new arrivals were given guidance on accessing support and information on health and schooling.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook OBE, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “I’d like to welcome the new families who are now settling into their homes and thank the many volunteers who are helping them adapt to a new lifestyle and culture.

“I’m also pleased the families who arrived last year are being so supportive as they will provide invaluable insight and guidance for our new residents as they find jobs, become self-sufficient and make Wiltshire their home.”