Practical suggestions for how you can help…
Bridget Chapman
With the current events unfolding in Afghanistan many people are asking how they can help. Here are some things you should think about if you want to offer support to recent arrivals and the organisations that work with them.
Follow this link to find out more.
Charities launch emergency appeals
Several charities have launched emergency appeals for Afghanistan after Taliban militants took control of the country.
See more by following this link.
Are you involved?
Action Hampshire is the Voluntary Community Sector Emergency Partnership (VCSEP) liaison lead for Hampshire. We contribute to discussions so that the experiences of local VCSE organisations are fed into national coordination efforts.
If your organisation is supporting/has been asked to support with refugee arrivals/resettlement, please let us know by contacting leah.campbell@actionhampshire.org
Other things you can do…
Support efforts to help newly arriving refugees
In Hampshire:
Efforts are underway to set up a collection point in each Hampshire district to receive donated items. Community First is leading on this in coordination with the Council and will put out further communication shortly about what is required, where you can drop it off and when.
Only specific items will be needed, and these need to be new/good quality second hand. Volunteers will be needed to help sort/organise donations.
The following is a list of items that we urgently require please:
- Nappies – all sizes
- Coats in all sizes – adults and children
- Warm clothing for boys and girls from 10 years upwards
- New underwear for all – including socks and bras
- Blankets
- Adult shoes (no sandals please)
- Mobile phone chargers, power packs and top up vouchers/cards
- New or refurbished laptops – to help families keep in touch with loved ones
For more information about how and where to donate the above items please visit Community First’s website here
In Southampton:
Southampton Action are collecting needed items. The situation is changing rapidly – a couple of days ago they requested prams/pushchairs and this need is now fully met. They are now looking for smartphones. Follow their social media for the latest info on what is needed and how you can help here
Register to host refugees/asylum seekers
Register here
Look at these ideas from Refugee Action
Visit here
Support organisations in Hampshire who support refugees & asylum seekers
It is not yet clear how many refugees/asylum seekers from Afghanistan will stay in Hampshire long-term, but these organisations already support existing refugees and asylum seekers and will continue to do so:
- British Red Cross
- CLEAR project, Southampton
- Friends Without Borders Portsmouth
- Southampton and Winchester Visitors Group
- Rural Refugee Network
- Portsmouth City of Sanctuary
- Southampton City of Sanctuary
- Winchester City of Sanctuary
If you know of other organisations, please share them with us – leah.campbell@actionhampshire.org
Where can you donate to?
Care4Calais has various drop-off points across Hampshire for donations
Visit website here.
Southampton Action are organising various supports. They have put out a request for smartphones.
Email information@southamptonaction.org for more information
Image: IFRC, Meer Abdullar/ACRS
