Liverpool is one of many places in the UK that has offered to help the government with its programme of housing refugees fleeing the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
The city council is currently working with partners to find appropriate accommodation in the city for those who have fled the country after the Taliban seized control.
Liverpool has a proud history of helping those fleeing war and persecution and was part of the Syrian resettlement programme in 2016.
Read more: Merseyside leads the way as Afghan refugees told 'you're welcome'
The council said it had a number of enquiries from people across the city who would like to know how they can offer help and support to those who have escaped from Afghanistan and who will be arriving here with nothing.
Here is a summary of how you can help.
Spare room
Resettled refugees coming to the UK, such as from Afghanistan, are allocated their own property.
However, the offer of a room is very much needed for other refugees, such as those who have recently been granted status and are waiting for more permanent accommodation, or people who have been refused asylum.
If you have a spare room available, you can host a refugee via a charity called Refugees At Home .
They offer placements to refugees in the UK who need a place to live temporarily, and support placement hosts to find someone who is a right fit for them. They are looking for hosts with spare rooms in the Liverpool and the wider Merseyside area.
They have a wealth of information about becoming a host on their website, as well as on their Facebook page.
Website: https://www.refugeesathome.org/
Apply here: https://www.refugeesathome.org/host-application/
Letting your property out
Families that arrive in the UK on the resettlement scheme will be fully supported by a team from the resettlement organisation.
However if you are looking to volunteer with refugees and asylum seekers, the Our Liverpool team post regular volunteering opportunities, as do Merseyside Refugee Support Network and the British Red Cross.
Merseyside Refugee Support Network: https://www.facebook.com/MRSNLiverpool
British Red Cross: https://volunteer.redcross.org.uk/opportunities
Work experience/employment opportunities
If you are an employer and have employment or work experience opportunities for refugees the city council would be keen to link you with our Refugee Employment Officers. You can contact liverpoolinwork@liverpool.gov.uk
Donations of clothes or money
A list of refugee support organisations in Liverpool who take donations can be found on the council’s website.
Further information
You can join the Our Liverpool Facebook group to keep up to date with Liverpool’s work with refugees.
You can also contact the Our Liverpool team by email at OurLiverpool@liverpool.gov.uk
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