Donations are still wanted to help Afghan families settle
AFGHAN refugees in Surrey Heath have been supported by a Camberley-based charity while settling into their new lives, but more donations are needed as a fifth family awaits confirmation of relocation to the borough.
The families have been arriving since Afghanistan fell to the Taliban in July, with four already making the move.
Surrey Heath Borough Council set up the Afghan Locally Employed Staff (LES) Relocation Scheme, which offers support to the families who were at risk of persecution and death as a result of working alongside British forces.
Since then, the borough council has continued to work alongside local volunteers, businesses, churches, mosques and charities to support the Afghan refugee families.
The BESOM in Camberley is one charity supporting the families, but there are other organisations around Surrey Heath currently accepting donations from the public to help.
The BESOM in Camberley accepts donations meeting the wider needs of the local community such as financial, food or other items. Information on how to donate can be found on its website.
Those with a property to rent to a family of Afghan refugees, or who can offer donations such as items or financial support, can email Surrey Heath Borough Council at ukrs@ surreyheath.gov.uk
The Community Foundation for Surrey was set up to administer donations locally and information on how to donate can be found on its website. The Red Cross is also active in managing donations and supporting arrivals from Afghanistan. More information can be found on its website.
Having spent weeks in hotel accommodation across the country, the families relocating to Surrey Heath are in temporary accommodation for the time being. The first family to arrive in the borough is in the process of signing a tenancy agreement for a long-term rented property. All families are registered with local GPs to ensure they can access medical care and advice, and bank accounts have been set up.
The families are beginning to explore their new communities by visiting libraries, playgrounds and shops, and are meeting other residents. With the borough council’s support, one individual has already secured employment.