Julie Marson, MP for Hertford and Stortford, has today encouraged residents in Hertford and Stortford to lend a helping hand to refugees fleeing Afghanistan, by signposting local residents to the Government’s Help refugees who have come to the UK page where individuals can notify the Government of their ability to support the resettlement programme by offering everything from clothes, baby stuff and white goods to housing, tutoring, legal services and jobs.
Those from Hertford and Stortford who wish to help the cause can go onto this web page before clicking “Start now”, “East of England” and then “tell us what you can offer”.
Ms Marson has been in contact with executives from East Herts District Council in recent days, working with them to ensure that the local community is able to support the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP). The ARAP focuses on providing refuge to current and former Afghan staff members who have risked their lives working with British troops over the past 20 years, their families, and other particularly vulnerable refugees.
Commenting, Ms Marson said:
“We owe a great deal to many Afghan refugees who, over the years, have worked with British forces, often risking their lives while doing so. Helping them resettle in Britain has been a priority of mine for some time and is an issue I have raised in the House of Commons previously.
“I have worked closely with East Herts Council over the past few days to see how much support can be offered to provide housing and I know that many local residents will be keen to offer their own help and support to Afghan refugees. Anyone who wishes to contribute to this effort can visit the Government’s webpage to see what they can offer.
“Our community has a big heart and I am sure we will show this to the people of Afghanistan.”