Families across the area have provided a magnificent response to requests for donations to help Afghan refugees, including many children, arriving in the UK.

Volunteers, community groups and churches have combined their resources to collect, sort and deliver items.

At the same time, Richmond Borough Council has issued a plea to landlords to provide suitable rented accommodation backed by a series of incentives.

Among the groups supporting the effort are The Friends of Twickenham Green and The United Reformed Church, who are organising a collection of essential items.

They are asking for long tops (for women); trousers (for women); clothes for men; Muslim clothing; closed shoes; children's shoes (sizes 4-8); warm clothing; dolls and toys; books & games; toiletries and hygiene items.

People are asked to take suitable items to The United Reformed Church in First Cross Road at the following times:-

Wednesday 1st September 11:00 to 1:00pm.

Thursday 2nd September 10:00 to 12:00 midday.

advertisement

Saturday 4th September 12:00 to 2.00pm.

Sunday 5th September 11:30 to 12:30pm.

Once they have sorted the items they will be taken to the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association in Feltham.

Meanwhile, appeals for donations to West Middlesex Hospital have been circulating on social media.

However in a statement released yesterday (29 August) the hospital confirmed it is not taking any donations yet.

They said: "We are grateful for generous donations for Afghan families.

"Please hold off donating until we have clear lists of needs and the right collection places to make sure your generosity goes to the best place.

"We will be sure to publicise on our website and social media when we can take donations. Thank you so much for your good wishes."

advertisement

Other efforts by locals have already had a remarkable response. These include a team of volunteers brought together by Jan Hakimi, of Strawberry Hill, who spent much of the Bank Holiday weekend collecting, sorting and delivering items.

She welcomed the support, saying: "Thank you for your generous donations of clothes, shoes, toys, books, stationeries, toiletries, sanitaries, nappies, wipes, flip flops, for Afghan refugees.

"We are thrilled to have your support. Through your donation we have been able to accomplish the goal. Every single one of you kind hearted ladies and gentlemen truly made the difference for us, and we are extremely grateful! God bless everyone."

She has stopped taking donations after running out of storage.

She added: "Today we loaded 4 cars of the donations items and delivered to two locations where it will be distributed to Afghan refugee families."

Richmond Council has launched an effort to find suitable accommodation. It said: "We are looking for landlords who could provide a secure and safe home for refugees resettling in London. If you would like to rent a property through us at an affordable rate and help refugees to come to Richmond for resettlement, please contact us.

"In line with the government's scheme, we can offer you a landlord's premium, a brokerage service and funding for decorating and furnishing properties. You will also be assured of long term and secure tenants.

"At the moment government criteria means we can only offer self-contained homes to refugees."

Properties must meet the following criteria: a self-contained home; at least two bedrooms (ideally three/four); fully furnished; available for private letting at local housing allowance rent rates.

Also, it should be available on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy for at least 12 months.

The Council offers one month's rent in advance; incentive payment; a tenancy agreement; and one to one support for each family.

Landlords can contact the Council's temporary accommodation team - 020 8871 7333 or [email protected]