Council to support Afghan relocation scheme
07 September 2021
Aberdeen City Council and key partners are to assist Afghan families moving to the UK under a government relocation scheme.
The rapid escalation of events in Afghanistan has accelerated the UK Government’s plans – and the Home Office has procured short-term accommodation in the city for more than 100 people.
The council is among a number of local authorities that will support families across the UK during their temporary resettlement.
An appeal for financial donations is to be launched by the Lord Provost’s Charitable Trust, details of which will be released in the near future.
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen Barney Crockett said: “We are delighted to be providing a safe and welcoming space for families who have endured enormous physical and psychological hardship in Afghanistan.
“Ours is a warm and generous city and I’m sure the people of Aberdeen and the North-east will join me in extending the hand of friendship and doing what we can to make the resettlement process as smooth as possible.
“Anyone who has witnessed recent scenes in Afghanistan will understand the importance of us coming together to be here for families as they arrive in the UK.”
The council will join public and third sector partners in meeting families’ immediate needs whilst working with government to identify more settled accommodation in the UK.
Aberdeen City Council leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: “Caring for vulnerable people, whatever their circumstances, is at the heart of everything we do as a council, and we are proud to be part of this international relocation effort.
“As an inclusive and outward-looking city, we are looking forward to assisting Afghan families through this transitional stage and then helping them to build a secure future in the UK.”
Cllr Laing added: “Whilst we understand that many of our communities will want to help support the resettlement by providing goods like food and clothing, these items can often go un-used and we would urge people to instead make donations via the Lord Provost’s Charitable Trust when the appeal is launched.”