WSCC gives critical support to Afghan nationals arriving in the UK

West Sussex County Council is providing critical support to Afghan nationals arriving in the UK from Afghanistan.

The council is committed to supporting the government’s Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy and ‘Operation Warm Welcome’.

The council is working closely with our District and Borough partners to identify suitable properties which can be used to provide long-term accommodation for Afghan families who have arrived in the UK.

We also encourage anyone who wishes to help those arriving from Afghanistan to visit our website where there are details of local and national organisations accepting financial and practical donations.

Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire & Rescue, said: “The situation in Afghanistan is one that requires a global response to help protect those involved from a very real threat of harm. Many people arriving into the UK on rescue flights from Afghanistan were unable to bring any luggage or personal items with them having been forced to flee their homes with little time to spare as the situation escalated.

“We are doing everything we can to support these families, many of whom bring with them skills, knowledge and experience of great value and I hope everyone across West Sussex will join us in welcoming and supporting those looking to settle here and rebuild their lives safely.”

Housing
As a council, we are working closely with our District and Borough partners to coordinate offers of housing support across the county.

If you have or know of anyone who has self-contained long-term accommodation available for rent for at least 12 months, please get in touch by emailing AfghanistanSupport@westsussex.gov.uk.

Donations
We know that people are keen to offer donations of clothes and toys. If you have such items in good condition, then please contact one of the volunteer organisations across West Sussex whose details are listed on our website.

West Sussex County Council is not able to accept or take these donations, so please do not send these items to us.

Anyone who wishes to donate money may want to consider giving to one of the national charities currently running Afghan appeals, such as the British Red Cross.

For the most up-to-date information on how you can help, visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/AfghanistanSupport.