Refugee crisis: Coventry leads the way as a city of sanctuary

'We are a city that cares deeply about people in need, wherever they come from'

Hassan Ayo, his wife, Fatimah, and children, Zerdsht, 14, and, Zana, nine, tend their vegetables in their garden in Coventry (Andrew Fox)

Hassan and Ayham know how lucky they are. Most of their friends are still in Syria or living in squalid conditions in Lebanese or Jordanian refugee camps. Both men came to Britain with their families last year, under a small Home Office scheme to resettle “several hundred” Syrians.

Now that the Home Office’s Vulnerable Persons Relocation scheme has been extended to 20,000 refugees and the first planeload of Syrians is set to arrive next week, both men are hoping their compatriots benefit from the life-transforming opportunities offered by the chance of a new start in the UK

“Coming here has completely changed everything,” said Hassan Ayo, 47, who lives in Coventry with his wife Fatima, 42, who is suffering from a rare cancer, and two young sons. “I’m now a volunteer at the local refugee day centre and help new Syrians coming to Coventry. On Friday I travelled to Huddersfield to talk to refugees there about human rights and children.”

For his part Ayham, a 20-year-old Syrian, who was resettled in Bradford last year, is equally grateful. “My brother Hamza has cancer, that’s the reason why we are here, to get him medical treatment. He is much better now and I’m happy more refugees are coming because they want to come to this country… to give their children a future and have their dreams achieved.”

Mr Ayo, an agricultural engineer in Syria, is hoping to start work in Coventry soon, but is most thankful for the medical care and education his family has received. “I’m very happy more Syrians are coming,” he said. “My family is well looked after and safe here. My sons are doing well at school. One won a prize in maths and the other can speak four languages now.”

Coventry has led the way in England as a city of sanctuary and hopes to continue welcoming refugees. “We are a city that cares deeply about people in need, wherever they come from, and we have always welcomed new arrivals to Coventry,” said council leader Anna Lucas.

Additional reporting by Mia Alberti