Afghan refugee support
What we are doing and how you can help.
We have great sympathy for refugees from the conflict in Afghanistan and elsewhere. We'll be working closely with Essex County Council and other agencies to accommodate and support refugees who may be re-settled in Essex.
This is an emerging situation which we will need to respond to.
A package of suitable self-contained housing, school places, primary health care and other support is being pulled together in preparation for those refugees who may be referred to us by the Home Office for resettlement in Essex.
What you can do to help
Essex County Council has announced a pause in community donations. Essex, though, is appealing to anyone who is able to offer suitable housing.
Accommodation
Essex County Council would particularly like to hear about offers of self-contained family housing. Spare rooms or non-self-contained flats/houses are not considered suitable at this time.
Donations of clothing and other items
Local people have been so generous in donating clothing and other items that we are currently unable to accept any more.
Unaccompanied minors/children
If you feel that you can help by fostering a refugee child, you may wish to apply to Essex County Council to become a foster parent. General information on fostering is available on the foster carers page at GOV.UK.
Further information
For any further information and advice the government has issued a guide for families arriving under the ex-gratia scheme (EGS) and the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP).
More information on the Afghan citizens' resettlement scheme on GOV.UK.