When faced with so many heart-breaking stories on our newsfeeds and tv screens, it’s easy to feel helpless and overwhelmed. But your support can make a difference. Here are nine things you can do today:
1. Contact your MP
Ask your MP to urge the UK Government to offer immediate safety and support to Afghan refugees fleeing the Taliban. Use our handy template to compose and send your email.
2. Make a donation
Your gift will help men, women and children who have been forced to flee their homes by providing essential information, advice and emotional support to help them rebuild their lives. It will also enable us to stand up for refugee rights and give people seeking safety a voice. You can donate here.
3. Share an orange heart ?
Show your support for refugees and people seeking asylum by sharing an orange heart on social media.
4. Follow us on social media
Join us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to help raise awareness and become part of the discussion.
5. Listen to people with lived experience
Follow prominent Afghan voices, like our own CEO, Sabir Zazai, Mohammd Asif, Glasgow Afghan United founder, Abdul Bastani, Director of Afhan Human Rights Foundation, and author Gulwali Passarlay, as well as advocates for the rights of women and girls like Malala Yousafzai.
6. Host a refugee
Could you, or someone you know, offer a spare room to a person from a refugee background? Visit Room for Refugees to find out more.
7. Check out our New Scots Connect Map
Use our interactive map to find community groups and grassroots organisations near you that are run by, and for, refugees and people seeking asylum.
8. Join the Afghan Support Network
If you’re in a community group or local organisation run by, or for, refugees and would like to assist Afghans arriving in Scotland, you can register to be part of our Support Network. Use this form to let us know where you’re based and what services you can provide. Read more about our Afghan Support Network here.
9. Read Inspirational Stories
We work with so many amazing people who show incredible strength and resilience every day. Read their stories to find out more.
Thanks so much to everyone who has been in touch lately with generous offers of help and practical support for people arriving from Afghanistan. We’re still waiting for details of how the resettlement scheme will work and when it will begin. As soon as we have more information, we will let you know.
Visit our page on Afghanistan for more information and advice.
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