Hounslow 'On Standby' to Support Afghan Refugees
Looking to work with charities and voluntary agencies to handle resettlement
Particular concern for women and children under the new regime. Picture: Hashoo Foundation
Hounslow Council says it is finalising plans to ensure it can respond to a government request that all councils play a part in providing sanctuary to Afghan migrants fleeing from the Taliban.
The council says it is working to develop a One Hounslow package of support with statutory agencies, charities and voluntary sector organisations that will ensure the right support and resettlement for vulnerable families and individuals.
Brentford & Isleworth MP Ruth Cadbury says that she is continuing to receive emails from her constituents who are stranded in Afghanistan. Her caseworkers are working to help those that need support but she has reminded anybody contacting her to provide their full name and address. She is only able to provide support to those living in the constituency.
More details of how to get help are provided on this link.
Cllr Steve Curran, Leader of Hounslow Council, said, “We are all appalled and saddened by the awful situation in Afghanistan. Our thoughts are with those trying to escape persecution and those in our communities who have friends and family there. We recognise the situation is at the front of many people’s minds and will affect residents in different ways.
“Our plans are in place so that, as a borough, Hounslow is ready to do what it can to help these refugees. It is vital that we approach this in the One Hounslow spirit, working across partnerships, and especially with Private Sector housing providers, so we can provide the welcome these refugees, who have worked at great risk to support our Government and armed forces, deserve, without putting pressure on resources we already have in place for existing residents.
"As a borough which celebrates and welcomes diversity, we have a proud history providing sanctuary to those fleeing violence and terror, supporting their settlement in the UK and helping integrate them into our communities.”
He added that they have already had residents come forward offering help describing this as ‘truly inspiring’. The council will give details of how residents can assist when the government programme is announced in full.
Cllr Curran called on the government to ‘play its part’ by adequately resourcing the new settlement scheme and financially support councils.
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August 25, 2021
