Families meet ‘avalanche of love’, says Red Cross

AFGHAN families arriving in the UK have been met with an “avalanche of love” from the public, according to a charity worker.

British Red Cross teams are supporting hundreds of families – some in Derby and Leicester – said to be “incredibly traumatised” and in need of emotional support.

The charity’s staff and volunteers are welcoming arrivals at airports and providing a compassionate ear, as well as giving out basic items like warm clothing and hygiene kits.

Edmore Hute, refugee support manager at British Red Cross, said: “There’s hundreds of people who have arrived in the UK with their families fresh from a harrowing journey, leaving behind homes and loved ones in uncertainty.

“First and foremost we are providing kindness and reassurance that they are in a safe place, in a place of safety. This is vital, especially these first days, during the first hours and days.”

He added: “A lot of these people have gone through very difficult journeys and people have left behind their homes and families, and everything they have known, so they are incredibly traumatised and in need of emotional support.”

Mr Hute hailed the public for welcoming Afghans, saying: “Thanks to the British public for the avalanche of love and warmth and support that the Afghan evacuees have been reporting into us.”

He said the “warm welcome” from the British public has been incredible and the charity has been “bowled over” with offers of things like clothing and toys.