Afghan Evacuees Emergency Grants Programme

Overview

Allchurches Trust has launched an emergency grant programme to support churches and Christian charities helping to tackle the Afghanistan evacuee crisis.

The Afghan Evacuees Emergency Grants Programme will help churches and Christian charities to support evacuees resettling in the UK from Afghanistan, giving them a better chance of a fresh start.

Allchurches’ funding will help churches and charities to cover associated costs, as they continue to feel the financial strain of the pandemic.

Background

The UK government has responded to the plight of these Afghan allies by offering them refuge. Many evacuees have arrived without adequate clothing or basic possessions such as bedding, food, clothing, baby bottles and more. They have been separated from their extended family, many of whom are still in Afghanistan. Of those who have been relocated to the UK, many are large families (often with up to six children) and are being housed in temporary accommodation with families split into different rooms and no place to cook or prepare food. Due to a chronic shortage of appropriate social housing, families are expected to face many months in temporary accommodation and challenges with accessing employment and education.

Allchurches Trust wants to help local churches and Christian charities who have the reach and capacity to support the resettlement of Afghan evacuees who have been granted, or who are eligible to apply for, indefinite leave to remain by the UK Government, and therefore grants are available to help with the costs incurred by those who are helping those most in need in this way.

Objectives of Fund

The aim of this fund is to support Christian churches and charities helping to tackle the ongoing Afghanistan evacuee crisis. Funding will help cover costs associated with resettlement in the UK during a time when the economic and resource effects of the pandemic are still being felt.

Funding Size

Funding will be awarded at the discretion of the Trust.

Who Can Apply?

Christian churches and charities are eligible to apply.

Applicants must have the reach and the capacity to support the resettlement of Afghan evacuees who been granted, or are eligible to apply for, indefinite leave to remain by the UK Government.

Eligible Expenditure

Funding can be used to cover costs associated with the resettlement of Afghan evacuees, including:

• Personal items, such as clothing, mobile phones, food or baby items.
• Home items such as furniture.
• Language support, such as English classes and translation services.
• Integrating and settling, such as drop-in sessions, welcome parties, UK life courses, or befriending programmes.
• Expenses for volunteers/facilities, such as rental costs, training, or DBS checks.