The situation in Afghanistan has shocked people around the world and many have been left wondering exactly what they can do to help.

While Afghanistan might be thousands of miles from Lancashire, there are still some small things we can do to help the cause.

Several Lancashire towns, including Hyndburn, Burnley and Blackburn with Darwen, have already agreed to take in Afghan refugees who are fleeing their home country.

However, these people will likely be coming with nothing but the shirts on their back and will be in need of supplies.

If you want to help the Afghanistan refugees, we have rounded up some of the Lancashire businesses appealing for support, accepting donations and raising funds.

1. The Arc Project, Blackburn

The ARC Project helps asylum seekers and refugees and was founded in 2004.

ARC Blackburn is based at Wesley Hall in Blackburn and is well established with a history of working with asylum seekers and refugees in the Blackburn with Darwen Borough.

You can donate money, food and clothes to the organisation – find out more by visiting their website.  

2. Lancashire County Council

Lancashire councilors are asking people to offer up houses to arriving refugees.

A spokesperson said: “Many people are asking how they can donate items to newly arriving Afghan families.

“In #Lancashire, the most urgent priority is finding housing. We need houses with three bedrooms or more, which are available for 12 months.

“If you can offer a property, please email our Refugee Integration Team at: ritteam@lancashire.gov.uk.”

3. Maundy Relief, Accrington

At this charity, staff and volunteers help to tackle the deep impact of poverty and exclusion on some of the most vulnerable people in our society, providing much-needed support to anyone who walks through the door.

They can help people in need of food, counselling, housing advice and general support.

The Good Samaritan, and the local refugee charity New Neighbours Together are appealing for items to support those who have fled their homes in Afghanistan.

They are asking for donations to be brought to St John's Parish Rooms, Ivy Street Burnley.

The charity is appealing for a variety of items ideal for parents and babies including formula milk, blankets, sanitary towels and more.

They will be accepting donations on the following dates: Friday 3rd September from 5:00pm until 7:00pm

Saturday 4th September from 10:00am until 1:00pm

4. New Neighbours Together, Burnley

Umbrella charity, Caritas Salford, is organising the appeal and smaller charities across the North West are contributing. 

The parish of The Good Samaritan, and the local refugee charity New Neighbours Together are appealing for items to support those who have fled their homes in Afghanistan.

This is only a small and independent charity but they pledge to support Afghan refugees coming to the areas just as we have done for people seeking sanctuary from many other countries for the last six years. 

A spokesperson said: “In the first instance, please contact us by email on nntburnley@gmail.com.

“If we don’t respond to your query straight away, please be patient and someone will contact you.

“Monetary donations can be made via the green button on our Donate page and any money taken in the next month will be ring-fenced for helping Afghan refugees and places of most need.”

5. Global Link, Lancaster

This Lancaster-based centre provide a range of support services and integration activities for refugees and asylum seekers.

There are several ways you can support their work including:

  • Fundraising
  • Leaving a gift in your will
  • Making a monetary donation

6. Mrs Downsons Farm, Clayton-le-Dale

Posting to Facebook, the farm wrote: “As we have all seen, the scenes in Afghanistan are devastating and heartbreaking to see.

“The North West is working to safely welcome refugees who have fled their country after helping British Forces and have nothing but the clothes they came in. These refugees include adults, children and small babies!

“As an immediate response to support these refugees, at Mrs Dowsons Farm Park, we are collecting urgent donations and clothing. Donations accepted during opening hours.”
Find out more on their website


7. Tippy Toes Baby Bank, Leyland

Staff Tippy Toes are collecting essentials for babies and expectant mums.

They have even set up an Amazon wish list detailing the items they need; feel free to help buy purchasing any on the list.

You can find the full list online and over on their Facebook page.

8. The Ask Club, Skelmersdale

Donations for refugees can be given to refugee and support service ‘The Ask Club’, based at Skelmersdale’s Ecumenical Centre.

They need food, clothing, toiletries, mobile phones and chargers to support our members.

Your donations will help us feed, clothe and communicate with people seeking asylum, and refugees, living in Skelmersdale and across West Lancashire.

For lists of needed donations, please visit The Ask Club donations webpage.

9. Red Cross, Preston (and UK wide)

Refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants can get free emergency support from them.

Support can include:

  • food
  • small amounts of cash
  • clothes
  • toiletries
  • blankets
  • baby items

You can help by donating to the service or volunteering at your local Red Cross.

Red Cross refugee service in Preston contact details:
Email: GMRS@redcross.org.uk
Call: 0161 888 8932

 

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