Communities for Afghans
In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the need to provide safety and belonging for those displaced, the Communities for Afghans programme is a partnership between Caritas member organisations in the North of England and a consortium of other UK charities with the UK Government.
Together, we’re creating community-led pathways for Afghan families seeking refuge and the opportunity to rebuild their lives here in the UK.
This initiative forms part of the Afghan Welcome Project, a collaborative effort led by The Pickwell Foundation and supported by trusted partners including our charity, as well as Charis Refugees, the wider Caritas Network in North West England, Nugent Liverpool, Catholic Care Leeds, and the Social Justice Network.
Funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, we’ll be working to support the safe relocation, integration and empowerment of 125 Afghan families over the next five years.
The programme focuses on Afghan families who were forced to flee their homes following the 2021 change in government, many of whom remain in temporary accommodation in the UK and need long-term support to rebuild their lives.
We want to help communities open their doors and hearts — offering welcome, stability and hope to families at a time they need it most.
How you can get involved
We’re inviting individuals, parishes and local community groups to play a meaningful role in this important work. Over the next two years, local volunteer teams will help Afghan families to settle and thrive by:
- Forming a small, committed group to welcome and support a resettled Afghan family.
- Helping to identify and secure a suitable property for the family (a good-quality home with its own front door).
- Supporting the family as they navigate local services, connect with the community and move towards independence and employment.
This is more than a resettlement programme – it’s a movement to create welcoming, resilient communities where every family has the chance to flourish.
“We saw it as an end to suffering and poverty by coming to a country that was safe. When I go to bed at night, I know that my children are safe – and that was our purpose.”
Mother from a family resettled in the UK
Help more families like this one now:
Get in touch to find out more
If you or your community would like to learn more or explore how you can take part, please get in touch:
Email: communitiesforafghans@caritassalford.org.uk
Together, we can build communities of welcome and hope.
Related Services
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Community sponsorship
Through this scheme, our team guides and enables groups of volunteers to safely resettle, welcome and support families of refugees in their community. -
Aspire
Our Aspire team offers English classes, mentoring and wellbeing services to people from a refugee background in Greater Manchester. -
In your parish
Parishes across Greater Manchester and Lancashire support our work in so many ways. Become a Caritas parish volunteer, find out about how to signpost people to social action projects in your area, or join one of our campaigns.