Newark and Sherwood District Council make sanctuary pledge made to three more Afghan families

Three more families who were in immediate danger after serving with the UK government and British troops in Afghanistan are being offered new hope in Newark and Sherwood, with the pledge that no one should live in fear.

Newark and Sherwood District Council has agreed to accept the three extra families, which raises the total to five.

The announcement comes shortly after the first family was welcomed to the district last month, with a second due to arrive imminently.

The Ministry of Defence accelerated calls last week for local authorities across the country to offer further support, homes and safety to families as the situation in Afghanistan deteriorated daily. Newark and Sherwood District Council was ready and willing to heed the call and increased the number of families it is able to re-home to five, the highest number of homes pledged across Nottinghamshire.

The district council has overseen a number of refugee schemes in recent years. Working with a number of partners in local communities, it offers resettlement support and its integration schemes have been a success.

Council leader David Lloyd said: “Re-homing those from Afghanistan is morally the right thing to do and we will always do our bit to support those living in life threatening circumstances.

“No one should have to live in fear of their life and if we can help in any little way, then we will do so. I have been overwhelmed by the response from our local community. We have been flooded with generous offers of toys, furniture and clothes.

“These people have acted heroically as our allies, despite the risk to themselves and their families, and it is only right that we do all we can to keep them safe and recognise their service and contribution to our country.

“We are pleased to see more families come to the district and I know the residents of Newark and Sherwood will help us in welcoming them when they arrive.”

If anyone would like to make any donations, The Furniture Project, will collect any toys, furniture and clothing from you.

These items will then be used across all refugee resettlement work and to any other resident in the district in need.

The Furniture Project can be contacted on 01623 836 410 or at www.thefurnitureproject.net/about-the-furniture-project

Items of food or other essentials can be donated to local Food Banks or at a supermarket collection points where they will be provided to those who need it most.

If anyone would like to volunteer in befriending services for refugees, then email the district council at customerservices@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk