NORTH Yorkshire councils have, so far, settled eight families and are offering safety to Afghan people as more refugees arrive in the country.

North Yorkshire is offering safe homes to Afghan workers, qualifying under the Government’s Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy.

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According to the council Afghan people have supported British efforts in Afghanistan despite great risk to themselves.

Separately, the Home Office is temporarily housing a number of families in a North Yorkshire coast hotel, while permanent accommodation elsewhere in the UK is arranged.

North Yorkshire people have been thanked for donations of goods for Afghan families arriving in the county, and have been reassured that the families are being well catered for and the support they need is in place.

Now charities have more than they need, so people are being asked to show their support by making financial donations to national charities.

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Councillor David Chance, Executive Member for Stronger Communities, said: ““We saw an outpouring of donations for the Afghan families, which is unsurprising from the people of North Yorkshire, and we thank them for that.

“We now have more donations than these families need. Fortunately, they are being well-catered for through tried and tested systems established over a number of years by the county council and partners, including district and borough councils, volunteer and community groups and the Refugee Council.

“If people still want to show their support, we would encourage them instead to make a financial donation to national charities involved in refugee resettlement.”

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The families that have been permanently settled in the country are receiving support to help them to integrate and live independently, including English lessons, where required, school places and routes to employment.

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