At least 20 more Afghan families to settle in Wiltshire

This month a number of adults and children fleeing from Afghanistan were brought to a hotel in Wiltshire which will act as a bridge until they are provided new homes in the UK.

The location of the hotel and and numbers of Afghan citizens based there is not being released.

It is not known how long families will reside at the hotel as this is dependent on longer-term accommodation being identified for them which could be here or anywhere in the UK.

Those living at the hotel are provided with three meals a day, snacks, a laundry service and transport.

The Home Office is unable to provide day to day support, therefore Wiltshire Council has agreed to provide wraparound support for now and funding will be provided for this from the Home Office.

Meanwhile, all Afghan hotel residents are being registered with a GP and prior to moving into this hotel everyone had quarantined following arrival. The CCG is co-ordinating Covid-19 vaccinations, alongside other immunisations and screening. Mental health support is also being developed.

At least 20 families to call Wiltshire home

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Military Civilian Integration, said:

“We are providing support and are currently exploring childcare and education opportunities for the children and any other support that is required. We are working to provide accommodation and support for at least 20 more families under the Afghan resettlement scheme but we await further information from the Home Office to best asses how we can help.”

Three famlies are already being helped under a different scheme.

Private landlords with affordable properties ready to let are being encouraged to contact Wiltshire Councilhere: https://surveys.wiltshire.gov.uk

Some people have kindly offered a room in their own homes, but the government has said that shared houses and general lodgings are not suitable for the main Afghan support scheme.

The council is actively looking for accommodation including approaching the MOD to see if they will make their empty homes available.

Meanwhile people have also been generously offering support and donations. Wiltshire Council is asking people to hold onto these goods for the moment and will say where and when they can be delivered. The government has also set up a national link for those wanting to offer help in this way. Offers of support can also be emailed to refugees@wiltshire.gov.uk.

Support for families in Hampshire's Test Valley

Meanwhile eight families are currently staying on a short-term basis in the Test Valley Borough Council while plans are made for their futures in the UK.

Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Phil North, said:

“Like you all, I’ve watched in horror at the recent situation in Afghanistan - and despite the harrowing stories that we’ve heard from families that have arrived in the borough - the situation these refugees have been in is something none of us can truly begin to comprehend. I’m, therefore, proud that Test Valley is currently pulling out all the stops to support them.”

“Alongside partners and charities, our officers are working constantly to provide the essential items that these refugees need for the coming days and weeks. Helping them with food, clothes, medical appointments and other needs.”

“Many people have contacted me in recent weeks asking about the support Test Valley is giving Afghan refugees – and I’m pleased to confirm that we will continue to do everything we can to help. It’s my sincere hope that with all of our support they can feel safe and begin to look forward to a better future.”

Whilst the council is grateful for donations that have recently been made via the Unity collection point, Test Valley is not currently seeking any further items.