Concerted effort for Afghanistan refugees

In a great example of ‘joining the dots’, Surrey’s High Sheriff has helped bring together relevant people from local authorities and the third sector, so that services are coordinated in supporting Afghan refugees.

Dr Llewelyn was speaking to the Chief Executive of Elmbridge Council, Robert Moran, about the High Sheriff Youth Awards when he mentioned how hard it is finding support for the refugees who are starting to arrive in Surrey.

She called the Big Leaf Foundation who put the word out to other organisations like Dorking Refugee Support, Elmbridge CAN, Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum (SMEF) and Epsom Refugee Network. A coordinated effort is now under way, with the Community Foundation for Surrey as the coordinator.

Surrey County Council said the immediate need is to find accommodation for people once they have completed their stay in Managed Quarantine Service Hotels.

It asks Surrey residents to make a financial donation for operational, logistical, and Covid-control reasons.

Two organisations with emergency funds in place and which are taking donations are the Community Foundation for Surrey and the Red Cross. You can also find out about broader local support, including food banks, at Surrey Information Point.