Could you step up to offer an Afghan family safety, stability and the chance to belong?
We’re looking for local people to help Afghan refugee families settle into their new lives here in the North East.
Delivered in partnership with the Refugee Council, the Communities for Afghans programme will see Action Foundation help people form community sponsorship groups to directly support and welcome Afghan families into their communities.
This new government-funded scheme, from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), offers a way for ordinary people to respond in a compassionate and practical way to humanitarian need by helping families integrate.
This work complements the government’s resettlement and protection programmes by expanding the number of families who can be welcomed, and by strengthening grassroots support in local communities.
Sponsor Groups are NOT required to fundraise to resettle families as any costs are covered by the programme.
Please take a look at our FAQs below for more information about how you can get involved.
You don’t need to be part of a large organisation to form a community sponsorship group, you simply need a minimum of six individuals. Many successful groups are small and locally based, such as neighbours, friends, faith groups, community organisations or clubs.
As a sponsor group, your responsibilities will include practical social and integration support. The exact expectations may vary depending on the family, but typically include:
- Housing and accommodation: Action Foundation will work with you to source suitable, sustainable accommodation for the family for a minimum three-year lease. Accommodation costs will be covered by the family with extra funds available to support with deposit and ongoing rent for a period of three years.
- Basic needs: Assist the family with essential needs such as furniture, household items, clothing, food, and utilities. Financial support may be available for basic needs costs.
- Welcome and orientation: Meet the family on arrival and help them integrate into their new environment. Advise them on how to get around, use public transport and access shops.
- Integration support: Help the family register for services, enrol children in school, access ESOL classes, healthcare, employment, and build social connections.
- Safeguarding and wellbeing: Adopt safeguarding practices, respond to health or trauma needs sensitively, and be alert to vulnerable family members’ needs.
- Record-keeping and accountability: Maintain records and evidence of support as required by the sponsoring scheme or relevant authorities.
- Expand resettlement opportunities and help more families in need.
- Strengthen community cohesion and build relationships across communities.
- Gain personal growth, friendship, and positive local change through volunteering.
- Provide families with stronger support networks, improving integration outcomes.
If you would like more information, please email our Communities for Afghans lead, Farhad Jalal [email protected]
We will provide all the necessary training and arrange vetting procedures.
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