A new beginning in Rochdale for a Chagosian Family

The Chagos Islands have been regularly in the news recently as negotiations continue about their future. A deal was ratified in 2025 to enable the Mauritius government to take control of the islands but there is uncertainty if this will actually happen. The UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS) gives anyone descended from a Chagosian resident the right to settle in the UK and be recognized as a British citizen. The scheme runs for 5 years beginning in November 2022.

A Chagosian family of five, Audrey and Louis (not their real names) and their three children, arrived in the UK under the scheme. Resettling was a very difficult decision to make but they were worried by the instability of the situation at home and wanted to provide a secure future for their family. They were placed in the care of Rochdale Borough Council and temporarily accommodated in a local hotel while awaiting permanent housing. The hotel provided safety but the cramped environment was not a sustainable solution for the family longer term, especially for the children’s education and day-to-day routines. They ended up staying over 3 months and this was at a time when there were numerous protests outside hotels housing immigrants in the UK, including protests in Rochdale itself. Audrey and Louis were very anxious about what they saw on the news and wanted to be moved to a suitable house as soon as possible.

The Council referred the family to the Bond Board, knowing our experience in providing expert tenancy and resettlement support. The referral included securing the right accommodation and providing intensive tenancy and community integration assistance.

Initial challenges and needs assessment:
The family faced multiple challenges common to people resettling. A truly holistic approach was needed to ensure the family not only found a tenancy but were able to successfully sustain it. They needed accommodation of course, but they also needed to find employment and understand the UK benefit system.

We implemented a family centred approach, assigning a team of dedicated resettlement support workers and volunteers to provide comprehensive support. This helped Audrey and Louis reduce their anxiety and create a sense that a better life could happen for them. They needed a secure and affordable 3 bedroom property in an area with good access to schools and public amenities including transport, to make their search for employment easier. This is a crucial stabilizing step before we can tackle ongoing resettlement and integration needs.

They don’t have the credit history or financial resources normally required to begin a tenancy. However, the Bond scheme we operate, guaranteeing the rent, removes a financial barrier for the family and provides reassurance to the Landlord. We work with a network of private landlords and found a 3 bedroom property soon after the referral which Audrey and Louis were very happy with. Support included setting up utilities and council tax accounts and communicating effectively with the Council housing officer and support team.

Our long experience has taught us that new tenants need to develop financial literacy, understanding tax information, managing utility bills and navigating complex benefit claims. Our team supported the family every step of the way. We provide support extending beyond the tenancy, and in this case, this meant liaising with the council to facilitate in-year school transfers for the children and registrations for all family members with local GPs and dentists.
Wellbeing and good mental health also contribute significantly to successful resettlement and the family were signposted to the Red Cross migrant support services for free English for speaker of other languages (ESOL) classes.

There are Chagosian community groups in the borough. We introduced the family to them to foster social connection, help strengthen their support network and sense of belonging in Rochdale. They were delighted to find that these groups existed and people from the Chagos Islands were already living in the area.

The successful transition of this Chagos family demonstrates the resilience of resettled individuals and the importance of a holistic approach. The Bond Board’s expertise and collaboration between various stakeholders and partners has been vital in supporting this family’s journey. While challenges remain, such as securing long term employment for the parents and full cultural integration, Audrey, Louis and their children have firm foundations on which to build their life in the UK.

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