Since the beginning of 2021 hundreds of thousands of people in Afghanistan have fled their homes to escape violence. In September 2021, as the political uncertainty in Afghanistan continued to escalate, Hertfordshire Community Foundation turned its efforts to help support Afghan arrivals and refugees who have been relocated to safety in Hertfordshire.
The people of Hertfordshire showed incredible generosity to families arriving from Afghanistan and Hertfordshire Community Foundation’s appeal attracted close to 800 supporters and raised over £58k.
The money raised to now being distributed to respond to need and to assist with integration into the community. Hertfordshire Community Foundation is working in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council and local voluntary and community groups to provide a broad range of assistance and support to Afghan families arriving in Hertfordshire, this ranges from the provision of essential items to longer-term employability skills, language skills, family support and community integration.
Helen Gray, Foundation Director for Hertfordshire Community Foundation said; “These families have experienced unimaginable suffering and trauma and now face the challenges of starting a new life in a new country. Language, unfamiliar culture, disrupted education, loss of belongings and very limited resources are just some of the challenges that these families are facing. Thank you to everyone who supported this appeal which is helping to meet the most pressing needs of the new arrivals and help them to feel welcome and supported in their new home.”
Examples of how the funds are supporting Afghans staying in Hertfordshire temporarily and in the longer term include:
- Herts Welcomes Refugees were awarded £10,000 to run welcome events and activities for families and provide essential items to support those who have been settled in the county. Herts Welcomes Refugees have a wealth of experience helping make new arrivals feel welcome and supporting integration through their befriender network.
- Community Action Dacorum were awarded £10,000 to run workshops helping new arrivals prepare for life in the UK, develop employability skills and find work, and help arrivals share their culture with their new community.
- Christ First Watford were awarded £5,000 to run outings for families who are currently housed in hotels so that they can see more of their new home, improve wellbeing, and reduce isolation. Although Christ First Watford were awarded the grant, they are working in partnership with a number of local churches in Watford and are part of the Welcome Churches network.
- Hertfordshire Asian Women’s Association were awarded £5,000 to run pamper sessions and fitness classes for women currently living in hotels and provide an introduction to the local Muslim community.