Stockport welcomes Afghan Evacuees
Just over a week ago Stockport welcomed 19 families from Afghanistan through the Afghans Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP). Sector3 have been working closely with Stockport Council and Stockport Homes to support the emergency response required.
Initially this effort has been to assist with emergency clothing, toiletries and other immediate need. We have been talking to local partner organisations to support our efforts and have been coordinating donations through Greater Manchester Care4Calais and two local community Facebook groups. Sector3 will continue to act as the VCFSE representative for the sector to support any additional activity, support and welfare assistance reaching our new neighbours.
It is vital that our sector pull together to support the need that is going to arise but to do so in a co-ordinated way to avoid duplication of effort, donation wastage and best use of staff and volunteers time. If you have a specific support offer or want to be involved in any way then please contact Sector3 in the first instance. All requests and asks should be directed through us so if you are approached by another organisation please check in with us to ensure that this offer isn’t already being provided.
We will over the coming days be setting up a Just Giving Page to allow individuals and organisations a practical way to support and we will be directing people who want to donate items to the SK8 Refugee Support Coordination Group Facebook page. Any specific clothing requests will be directed to this group please encourage people to join and keep an eye on the page if they have item donations they wish to send. We do not have storage for lots of things and will be putting out any immediate items needed here.
We trust you will join us in welcoming and supporting the evacuees into our community and we look forward to working alongside you to provide a positive experience for them all whilst they are residents of Stockport.
Thank you,
Sector3 Team