It's been exactly five years (April 5) since Carlisle welcomed their first group of refugee families within their newly adopted homes. 

The Syrian families first arrived as part of the UK's Resettlement Scheme from camps in Lebanon and Jordan, of which their move was initially delayed by around 10 months due to the flooding in Cumbria at the time. 

The group were welcomed by Cumbria County Council staff and taken to their new homes, subsequently, they would go on to meet the members of Carlisle's refugee group. 

Founder of Carlisle Refugee Action Group (CRAG), Henry Goodwin, recalls the 'exhausted' faces he saw upon their introduction. 

"They hadn't had dental care in a number of years, clearly had faced injustice trying to survive, it was really had been an appalling journey for them. 

"They very quickly began to study English and integrate really well - that first group hold a really special place for us because they then became helpers for other groups and families arriving over the years," he said. 

Henry pointed out that the women who have arrived have integrated particularly well, especially when it comes to learning the language to speak to teachers and physicians. 

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"They were there to help explain to people arriving how the system works, and they're still very much doing that to this day," he said. 

Henry touched upon how it was a moment in the press which really changed attitudes in the UK towards arriving refugees, ultimately helping to spur the creation of groups such as CRAG.

The moment came when the world caught a glimpse of the photo of Alan Kurdi, the young boy which had drowned and was found lying face-down on a beach near Turkish resort of Bodrum. 

"At that point, the nation realised it was children and women trying to evade war and protect their families, that's what touched the nation. 

"Cumbria has a proud history of helping people and we want to keep it that way - it's been quite humbling at times. 

The group have just had a recent arrival of Afghan families, which in turn brings new challenges to the forefront, and will also be co-ordinating with other groups ahead of the Homes for Ukraine settlement.

"Our work won't stop," he said.

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