Southampton City Council asks for help to house Afghan evacuees
City organisations, individuals and groups contacted as UK local authorities seek support for Afghan people, many of whom worked with British Armed Forces
Southampton City Council is working with local partners, including the University of Southampton, landlords and the voluntary sector, as well as regional partners and national government, to provide safe sanctuary for people evacuated from Afghanistan.
Most of these evacuees have been working for the British Armed Forces which has put their lives and those of their families at risk. Under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy, the evacuees will be allowed to stay in the UK indefinitely and be eligible for government-funded school places and health care in the areas they are relocated to.
All UK local authorities are being asked to assist in supporting evacuees to resettle in the UK, and Southampton City Council is now looking for homes in which families can be housed and start to build a new life.
Councillor Daniel Fitzhenry, Leader of Southampton City Council, said: “I’d like to thank local charities, agencies and the people of Southampton who have once again stepped up with donations and offers of help to those in need – your kindness is already changing lives. I’d now like to see if we can make a lasting difference by providing homes for families who had to flee their country after helping ours. Unfortunately the council does not have houses available from its own housing stock so I would like to make a rallying call to private landlords in the city who may have affordable three or four-bedroom family homes available to rent, and who would like to help, to get in touch by emailing us.”
Not a landlord but want to help?
It is too early to say what the needs of those coming to the country will be, but donations to the following charities will ensure the best possible support is provided to those in need both here and in Afghanistan:
- Locally, Friends of CLEAR have set up a JustGiving page
- Southampton Action has information about volunteering opportunities and local collections of clothing etc.
- Southampton Action is also taking cash donations via a JustGiving page
- Emergency relief charities, such as The International Rescue Committee and the British Red Cross, are still working on the ground in Afghanistan
- Women for Women International helps female survivors of war rebuild their lives
- Afghanaid provide kitchen kits that allow people who have left their homes to cook and safely store food
Advice from the Home Office*
If you are a non-British national in Afghanistan or are the family member of a non-British national in Afghanistan and in need of assistance, you should call +44 (0)247 538 9980.
If you are a British national or family member of a British national in Afghanistan, you should call +44 (0)1908 516666 and select the option “Consular services for British nationals” or email the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
*Please note: we have been advised that the above lines are experiencing a high number of calls and so it may take some time to get through.
