The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Support for Afghans fleeing the Taliban
Members of organisations across Peterborough have come together to pledge to support the resettlement of Afghan refugees.
Since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan this month, many residents in the city have expressed their concern for the safety of friends and family back in Afghanistan. The situation is expected to create a large number of refugees as people flee the country, with many expected to seek refuge in the UK; after working with the British Army during their presence in the country.
Peterborough City Council has already pledged to support the Government’s resettlement scheme and is in the process of identifying suitable housing and support arrangements.
The scheme includes at least 12 months of financial support per person and will operate on a similar basis to the resettlement scheme for Syrian refugees.
The council is also supporting the Light House Community Group as it has offered its space at East Community Centre to form a hub for the collection of items for the impending refugees.
On Friday, Peterborough MP Paul Bristow held a meeting, which was attended by himself, members of both the Hazara and wider Afghan community, Peterborough Citizens, Peterborough Asylum and Refugee Community Association (PARCA) and the city council to discuss what the city can do to help those affected.
Mr Bristow said: “An MP has little direct power but can have an influence.
“There is little I can do to affect the terrible situation in Afghanistan, but I can bring together people who will have a role in providing sanctuary for those that helped British forces during their time in the country.
“Interpreters, support staff, drivers, guides and teachers. These people who worked with British forces, embassy staff and aid workers are at risk of being hunted down by the Taliban – as well as women and children who face a terrible future.
“I brought together the Hazara and wider Afghan community in Peterborough, along with Peterborough Citizens, PARCA, and the City Council to discuss how our City can help.
“We now have these wider networks to make a difference for these people who offered us so much, but who are now at risk for their lives.”
A spokesperson for PARCA added: “We held an emergency meeting to address the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
“We thank the Hazara community, the wider Afghan community and everyone who attended for joining us to discuss this matter.
“PARCA is ready to help and to create a difference in the city of Peterborough.”
Members of Peterborough Citizens also said: “We stand in solidarity with the Afghan communities in Peterborough, and the Afghan people, and we are ready to play our part in helping families that resettle in our great city.”
An appeal for food and clothes to help refugees from Afghanistan who are coming to Peterborough has also been launched.
‘I can bring together people who will have a role in providing sanctuary for those thathelped British forces during their time in the country...’
Paul Bristow Peterborough MP
Peterborough City Council has said it would be helping to resettle a number of people from the crisis hit country.
The Light House Community Group has now launched an appeal to further help those refugees.
Residents who can help are being urged to donate clothes, shoes, toiletries and long life food items.
Light House Community Group has offered its space at East Community Centre Peterborough to form a hub for the collection of items for the impending Afghan refugees who are looking to come into the city as per the local authority’s pledge to take in refugees in the coming days or weeks.
Councillor Dr Shabina Qayyum of East Ward was invited to the centre and sent donations of clothes from the public in preparation of receiving the refugees.
Cllr Patrick Kadewere, trustee of the Lighthouse Community Group charity who now manage the centre said: “We are delighted to be able to provide space at our centre to help the Afghan refugees that will be welcomed into the city.
“We will work closely with the council and other partner agencies who will be working on this response to ensure those arriving here will be looked after, supported, educated and integrated into a new life within our community.
“We are happy to take donations of long life food items, toiletries, clothes and shoes in good condition for any gender or age.
“TheButterfly Legacy Project who have supported our Huntingdonshire Community G roup Covid-19 Response Team throughthe out pandemic will also be partnering with us on this project, they hand made and donated face masks, scrubs, gift bags and so many other essential items to frontline staff throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and they are looking for donations of fabric so they can stitch clothes for the refugees coming into the city.
“Councillor Shabina has been liaising with us and we are happy that we can support this very important project.”
Cllr Qayyum said, “We have a sizeable population of Afghan residents in the ward who are naturally worried about loved ones caught up in the recent events in Afghanistan.
“As their councillor, I’m offering to listen to their concerns and I’m helping with advice and signposting to agencies with their queries. It is very kind of the Light House Community Group to offer space at East Community Centre for donations.
“I have also been made aware that the council is working with the Swift organisation to help the refugees once they come into our city, so everyone is playing their part.
“It’s been a very difficult year for so many in Peterborough with the pandemic upon us, but our city’s generosity knows no bounds when it comes to helping others and I’m just grateful to be a part of it”
The East Community Centre will be accepting donations of long life food items, toiletries, clothes and shoes in good condition for any gender or age from Monday to Friday 7.30pm to 9.30pm. and Fridays from 2.30pm until 3.30pm
Alternatively to arrange a drop off, please email the organisation at: lighthouse communitygrouppb@gmail. com