Gloucester City Council appeal for houses to help Afghan refugees
They've pledged to support 35 families
Gloucestershire landlords are being asked to help support Afghans who have worked for the British Army.
The City Council is asking them to come forward to provide houses to help resettle 35 families.
It comes as the Government announced the Afghanistan citizens’ resettlement scheme which aims to resettle 5,000 Afghan nationals who are at risk due to the current crisis, in its first year.
Gloucestershire Strategic Housing Partnership, which is made up of the local authorities in Gloucestershire, have pledged to resettle 35 households under the Home Office Locally Employed Staff Resettlement Scheme in a project partnered by GARAS (Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers).
The partnership has already supported the Syrian Families Resettlement scheme and is now set to support Afghans who have assisted the British Army.
The families will be helped to build a new life by working closely with them in areas of health, education and social care. To help them integrate into society they’ll receive help with issues such as medical needs, arranging English lessons as needed, finding jobs and getting children into education.
The county partnership is particularly looking for properties with two or three bedrooms.
Ruth Saunders, chair of the Gloucestershire Strategic Housing Partnership, said: "If you own a property for rent please do consider signing up to this scheme and help vulnerable families who in many cases risked their safety to support our armed forces.
If you have any questions, our friendly, award-winning resettlement team is on hand to answer any questions you may have."
Adele Owen, Director of GARAS, said: "GARAS is delighted to be working with Gloucestershire Local Authorities to provide support to Afghan nationals.
"It feels a privilege to have the opportunity to work with those who have provided their services to our troops and are now at risk."
The Government's resettlement scheme will be kept under further review for future years, with up to a total of 20,000 in the long-term.