A WORKSHOP to help people welcome refugees from war-torn Syria to Malvern is being held next month.

Last December, Malvern Hills District Council agreed to a dozen refugee families coming to the town under the government’s Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme, and a steering committee has now been formed.

Sue Wolfendale from Malvern’s Amnesty International group said: “The aim of this group is to prepare the way for the arrival of the Syrian families by bringing together those who would offer support as volunteers. The scheme would also require paid caseworkers, with whom the volunteers would work. We are awaiting a decision from Worcestershire County Council as to whether they will become part of the project.”

The group is running a workshop entitled Creating a Culture of Welcome, which will focus on the challenges facing refugees and explore ways to support them.

The workshop is on Saturday, July 4, and anyone interested can contact Mrs Wolfendale on 01684 562804.