A NEW appeal has been launched to find private accommodation in Ceredigion to help Afghan refugees moving to the county.

One family has already been settled in the county according to Ceredigion council, with a fresh appeal being launched to find suitable private accommodation to welcome more families to the area.

In a statement, Ceredigion County Council said: “We are looking for accommodation for an Afghan family who supported British involvement prior to the withdrawal of forces.

“Many Afghans are still waiting in ‘bridging accommodation’ until a more permanent home can be found for them.

“The council has already resettled one family in the county, but arrangements to house a second family are on hold whilst further accommodation is sought.

“The accommodation should be of a suitable standard, self-contained, have adequate kitchen and bathroom facilities and will need to be available for a minimum of 12 months. The rent will be paid at Local Housing Allowance (housing benefit) level.

“Ceredigion County Council signed up to the Home Office scheme to resettle Afghan nationals that are vulnerable to repercussions from the new Afghan government in August 2021.”

Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn, Ceredigion County Council’s Leader and Chair of the Ceredigion Refugee Resettlement Group, said: “We are extremely grateful to the property owners in Ceredigion who’ve offered their properties since the start of the scheme. Due to delays in the relocation process, the properties offered are sadly no longer available which means we are still on the search for a property that will suit the needs of a family.”

If you can help or would like more information, please get in touch with our Contact Centre on 01545 570881 or [email protected] and ask for the Refugee Resettlement Coordinator.

For more information on the support to resettle Afghan nationals through the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), visit:https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2021/08/16/factsheet-uk-support-to-resettle-afghan-nationals/