The crisis in Afghanistan and the fallout for people who have had to leave their homes has been devastating. Having to start up again in a different country is difficult for anyone, but for those that have been through this immensely challenging journey as a result of the recent events in Afghanistan, it is incomprehensively tough.

Wiltshire Community Foundation has launched the Wiltshire and Swindon Welcome Fund to raise money to support people from Afghanistan as well as refugees and asylum seekers from other countries who are starting new lives here in Wiltshire and Swindon.

Funds will support local voluntary sector and community groups to deliver a range of assistance and practical activities to support resettlement, community cohesion and help build futures for refugees and asylum seekers in our communities.

Some of this will include: routes to education and employment, language skills and physical and mental health support.

While called the Welcome Fund, we acknowledge that refugees and asylum seekers need more than initial emergency support. Our Fund is a long-term initiative and will also support projects and activities to aid the overall integration of those newly arrived in our county, enabling them to feel welcomed, valued and active members of our communities across Wiltshire and Swindon.