Refugees Welcome Hounslow (RWH) praised Hounslow Council's history of welcoming refugees and calls on them to make sure this will continue for Afghans fleeing the Taliban in Afghanistan.

The organisation RWH has worked with Hounslow Council to support refugees in the borough, along with the charity Hounslow Friends of Faith.

The group started four years ago in response to the influx of Syrian refugees escaping civil war and has helped settle 12 groups of refugees since then, receiving a further family into the borough last week.

RWH Chairperson, Shelagh Allsop, said: "There is a long-standing and active Afghan community in the borough with cultural and familial connections to Afghans abroad.

"RWH stands ready to support the Council and others responding to the latest crisis unfolding in Afghanistan.

"Refugees Welcome Hounslow is greatly concerned about the plight of refugees escaping from Afghanistan.

"Hounslow has been a very welcoming area for people from many war-torn regions and we call for the Council to make sure this continues.

"RWH volunteers have been privileged to work with Hounslow Council over the past several years in settling over ten Syrian refugee households in Hounslow who arrived under the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme.

"Indeed, they are no longer "arrivals", they are neighbours and firm friends."

Allsop said that arriving refugees will need friendly help from residents to help with everyday tasks, like accessing local support services and practicing English.

Once a settlement scheme is established in the borough, the RWH will welcome donations and volunteers but anyone who wishes to make an offer or volunteer can get in touch with the group now, Here.

People can also donate to the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA) in Hounslow, an organisation set up by refugees and helping new refugees adjust to the UK.

Find out more Here.