Updated: September 2021
Over the past few weeks we have received many enquiries from residents who are keen to help us welcome Afghan refugees to Plymouth.
Plymouth has always been a welcoming city, proud to welcome over 200 people through various refugee schemes in the last seven years.
Earlier this summer, we committed to relocate locally employed staff who worked for British forces, often in dangerous and challenging situations, during the conflict in Afghanistan. The staff, who will move with their families, provided roles such as translators, interpreters or clerks.
Since the much publicised NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan, many people have been in touch to offer accommodation and donations so we’ve put together all the information in one place.
Here is a list of how people can get involved
Accommodation
Accommodation offers in Plymouth are being directed to PATH. We’re really grateful for people who have told us that they have a spare room or two but we are really looking for landlords who can let entire properties to families. If this is you, please email easylet@pathdevon.org
The number of families we are able to relocate to Plymouth will depend upon the number of suitable and affordable accommodation offers we receive.
Donations
A city-wide collection for people wishing to donate to Afghan individuals/families in Plymouth has already been established. Any funds raised will be used by support providers for specific individual needs e.g. furniture, bus passes, laptops. The fund is being hosted by Open Hearts, Open Borders on Just Giving.
For residents who wish to donate to support people still in Afghanistan the British Red Cross has a national appeal.
Offer of Goods
If residents have items they wish to donate, please contact your local British Red Cross charity shop to see if they are happy to take donations. Service providers can then support Afghan families to access those shops.
Offer of volunteering
There isn’t currently a requirement for volunteers to support Afghan families in Plymouth although there could be in the future.
Residents can register with the Plymouth Good Neighbours Scheme on our volunteering page where they can be notified of relevant volunteering opportunities and view any new ones advertised on the site.
However, there is a requirement for volunteers to support asylum seekers and refugees more generally (some of these may be Afghan citizens) with Plymouth Hope. Those interested should email info@plymouthhope.org.uk in the first instance.