District Council pledges to welcome more Afghan allies

This news comes shortly after the first family was welcomed to the Newark and Sherwood District last month and a second family is also due to arrive imminently.   

The Ministry of Defence accelerated calls last week for local authorities across the country to offer support, homes and safety to families as the situation in Afghanistan deteriorates every day.  Newark and Sherwood District Council were ready and willing to accept the call and increased the number of families they are able to re-home to five, the highest number of homes pledged across Nottinghamshire. 

Newark and Sherwood District Council has overseen a number of refugee schemes in recent years. Working with a number of partners in local communities, the District Council offers resettlement support and its integration schemes have been a success.

Councillor David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Re-homing those from Afghanistan is morally the right thing to do and we will always do our bit to support those living in life threatening circumstances.

“No one should have to live in fear of their life and if we can help in any little way, then we will do so.  I have been overwhelmed by the response from our local community.  We have been flooded with generous offers of toys, furniture and clothes. 

“These people have acted heroically as our allies, despite the risk to themselves and their families, and it is only right that we do all we can to keep them safe and recognise their service and contribution to our country.

“We’re pleased to see more families come to the district and I know the residents of Newark and Sherwood will help us in welcoming them when they arrive.”

If anyone would like to make any donations, The Furniture Project, will collect any toys, furniture and clothing from you.  These items will then be used across all refugee resettlement work and to any other resident in the district in need.  The Furniture Project can be contacted on 01623 836 410 or at www.thefurnitureproject.net/about-the-furniture-project

Items of food or other essentials can be donated to local Food Banks or at a supermarket collection points where they will be provided to those who need it most.

If anyone would like to volunteer in befriending services for refugees, then please email the District Council at customerservices@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk