Council Overwhelmed By Offers of Support for Afghan Refugees
Now advising donations be given directly to the Red Cross
Afghan refugees seeking to leave Kabul. Picture: Red Cross
Hounslow Council says that over the past 10 days it has been overwhelmed with the many offers of support from residents, faith and voluntary organisations seeking to help the borough’s Afghan refugees.
It has already received a huge number of donations and the council has also purchased items such as baby food, nappies and sanitary items to ensure they got to people as quickly as possible. Council staff across a number of teams worked over the bank holiday weekend to collect and distribute to various locations. This effort has ensured that the Afghan evacuees currently in the borough have received the essential items that they need.
Council staff are in constant communication with accommodation providers to ensure a clear understanding of need is in place and can meet needs as they arise. The Council currently holds reasonable provision, with staff available to deliver should the need arise but are now asking that donations should be directed to the Red Cross.
Cllr Steve Curran, Leader of Hounslow Council has personally thanked local organisations for their work to support Afghan evacuees in the borough. In particular the Islamic Integration Community Centre and the Bedfont Lane Community Centre have donated a significant amount of much needed clothing, prayer mats and baby equipment.
He said, "The compassion and work of people and organisations in the borough has been outstanding and I want to thank all involved in supporting the Council's work to assist and welcome Afghan evacuees. At this time, we have more than adequate supplies as a direct result of Hounslow's generosity and commitment. For now, if people wish to donate, then we'd ask them to support the efforts of the British Red Cross rather than giving directly to the council. This is a changing situation though, and we will continue to let people know how and when they can help us in this effort."
"If things change, we may reach out again to community, voluntary and faith groups and other partners to discuss how they can support us when we start any long-term resettlement work. This may include language support, integration and befriending, mental health support as well as identifying suitable housing in the private sector".
The donate to the Red Cross click here.
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September 2, 2021
