The crisis in Afghanistan has shocked us all and people across the Hackney community are looking for ways to lend a hand.

A group of young people living in the borough have formed a new community group, Clapton Welcomes, which will support a refugee family to settle in East London in 2022.

The group is working to bring this about through the government-run Community Sponsorship scheme. This programme allows refugee families who might not otherwise be allowed to come to the UK to build a permanent home here with the support of local community groups.

Community Sponsorship groups are made up of local volunteers who commit to welcoming and supporting a refugee family in their local areas. Group members find a home for the family, greet them at the airport, and then work with family members to help them learn English, access education or employment, and settle into life in the community.

Clapton Welcomes are being supported to help a refugee family to settle in London by the Sponsor Refugees team at Citizens UK and a national charity called Reset: Communities and Refugees.

If you would like to support with fundraising or finding a house, please contact claptonwelcomesfundraising@gmail.com