September 2021
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News “We will open our arms and hearts to Afghanistan refugees” A contribution from Cllr Franklin Owusu-Antwi, South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet member for public health and equality of opportunity, Afghanistan veteran and the council’s armed forces champion
Cllr Franklin Owusu-Antwi, who is also the South Gloucestershire Council ward member for Bradley Stoke North
W
e have all seen the liberalisation in terms of access events unfolding in to education, work and freedom Afghanistan in the to determine their own destinies. recent days and weeks with, That is why, as South Glos I’m sure, a sense of horror and Council’s armed forces champion, frustration. Particularly too, I am pleased we are standing by for those who have served and to play our part in supporting worked to help that country over those who will be resettled from the past 20 years, we have also Afghanistan by the government. worried about the safety of those We have already begun to local people we worked alongside make arrangements with partner and who were vital to that work. organisations, who will be able The risks to those who helped to work directly with those who us were significant as they stood settle here, so that they can be alongside us in Afghanistan and supported to start a new life are now even greater purely in South Gloucestershire, and because they stood with us, have identified several suitable but our personnel have left the homes for families who need to country. That is to say nothing of be evacuated, so that they can the civilians, particularly women, be given a safe and supported who may never have worked welcome. alongside British staff, but who With the need likely to increase WB Generic AW.qxp_Layout 21:14 1 also were able to enjoy increased 1 15/09/2020 as time goes on,Page we are
asking that property owners with potentially suitable homes let us know so that we can extend our offer further. We rightly stand by our own armed forces veterans and others who risked and sacrificed so much to help in Afghanistan, so it is right that we also now stand by those Afghans who worked alongside us, sharing the same risks and who are now facing new threats, and who now need our help. South Gloucestershire is a wonderful place to live. It is safe
and welcoming and I know that we will all open our arms and our hearts to those who have helped us and who now need our support.
● Owners of properties in South
Gloucestershire who believe they may have suitable accommodation available in the coming weeks and months who would like to discuss providing housing for those being resettled are invited to contact sghomes@southglos.gov.uk Rent will be paid within the housing benefit cap.
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