SOCIAL PATRONAGE

Community Sponsorship

Community sponsorship, is a model known in many countries around the world in which local community groups are involved in the process of settling and integrating refugees and other persons in need of international protection. These programmes operate as a public-private partnership, involving diverse partners such as national governments, local authorities, NGOs and local communities. This approach fosters improved integration outcomes, strengthens local communities and expands pathways to protection.

Under this programme, sponsors can come from a variety of backgrounds, such as religious communities, businesses or other community groups, or they can be individuals who collectively form a sponsorship group.

Social patronage programmes are implemented in different countries such as the UK, Canada and Australia, adapting to local contexts and community needs. The common goal of these initiatives is to support refugees in building new lives and to promote solidarity and cooperation in host societies.

The role of patrons and matrons

Providing information and assistance in accessing services: Patrons and matrons support refugees in navigating the education, health care and labour market systems, helping them to achieve self-reliance.

Material support: In some models of patronage, people are expected to provide financial support, such as covering the cost of renting a flat or other basic living needs.

Scope of assistance

Provision of housing and its furnishings: Assistance in finding suitable accommodation and furnishing it.

Language support: Organisation of language courses or assistance in learning the language of the host country.

Job search support: Assistance with CV preparation, job search and preparation for interviews.

Logistical assistance: Facilitation in moving to a new place of residence, including support in the use of public transport.

Access to education and health care services: Assistance in enrolling children in schools, finding medical facilities and using available health services.

Administrative support: Assistance in dealing with official formalities, such as registration of residence or obtaining necessary documents.

Cultural orientation: Introduction to local customs, traditions and social and cultural life.

Objectives and benefits

Activating local communities: Involving citizens in the integration process of refugees fosters stronger, more integrated societies.

Complementing state action: Social patronage does not replace the actions of the state or local authorities, but complements them through active cooperation between sectors and by involving citizens in the refugee integration process.

Promoting cooperation between different sectors: These programmes bring together different actors, such as NGOs, educational institutions and businesses, to work together towards integration.

Strengthening local communities: Working together to integrate people with refugee experience contributes to solidarity and social cohesion.

Join the "Community Patronage" programme