The Rachel Maclean column:
“I HAVE been incredibly humbled by the number of emails I’ve received from constituents who want to do all they can to help and support Afghan refugees.
This was never in doubt. Redditch is a warm and open-hearted town which has always stepped up to the mark to help those in need.
Just as Redditch opened its doors to Syrian refugees fleeing conflict in that war-torn country, so too will Redditch once again as we welcome Afghan refugees.
Operation Warm Welcome is now in full swing – ensuring Afghans arriving in the UK receive the vital support they need to rebuild their lives, find work, pursue education, and integrate into local communities.
The Government will make at least £12million available to provide additional school places so children can be enrolled as soon as possible, £3m of additional NHS funding so Afghan arrivals can access healthcare and register with a GP, as well as providing free of charge English language courses.
Working with local councils, the Government will also provide them with £5m for support with housing.
It is housing that will be needed in Redditch.
If you are a private landlord, or know anyone who is, then please do get in touch with the housing department at the borough council if you have any properties which may become available in the next few months.
My team and I will be co-ordinating any offers of help I receive and pointing constituents in the right direction.
To get in touch email: [email protected].
We owe an immense debt to the brave Afghans who worked alongside us and Operation Warm Welcome will give them and their families the support they need to rebuild their lives here in Redditch and across the UK.”
Rachel Maclean MP
