Community Efforts Support Afghan Families Residing at Military Base

Local community organizations have initiated support for Afghan families residing for several months at a military installation in Leicestershire. These families received sanctuary due to the threats of retaliation they face stemming from their previous employment with UK forces during the conflict. Despite some families having been present at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) facility for up to a year, securing employment or educational opportunities is challenging, as housing assignments across the country can occur with little warning. In response, the local NHS is collaborating with these groups to arrange activities aimed at mitigating the deterioration of the group’s mental well-being, attributed to the prevailing uncertainty and isolation. These families were relocated under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), a program designed for Afghan citizens who were employed by or collaborated with the UK Government in Afghanistan. Earlier this week, the families convened at Fearon Hall, a community center located in Loughborough, to express gratitude to some of the community organizations that have provided assistance. Sarah Jones, a member of the mental health team at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, stated that she had observed a gradual decline in the group’s mental health. She remarked, “People can go to work and volunteer but it’s challenging to get out to different activities.” Jones added, “Due to housing issues people have been there [at the base] a lot longer. Anxiety depression trauma, and post traumatic stress disorder are some of the challenges they face.” She further highlighted, “Some of the ladies haven’t been able to cook for 10 months so to be able to cook their own food and have the radio on, and their music and singing and dancing, it makes you realise what we take for granted.” Marina, aged 14, who has resided at the base for a year, is actively participating in English lessons, textiles, therapy, and sports. She commented, “My mum and dad are bored but I’m happy – I have sports and I have my friends.” Although a permanent house has not yet been assigned, Marina is scheduled to commence school next week and has also found enjoyment in playing football. Joe McSharry, representing Leicester City in the Community, the charitable division of Leicester City, stated: “We deliver weekly activities on site and some trips to the King Power Stadium and our training ground in Seagrave.” He continued, “We took them to the training ground last week and they were helping us to plant some seeds to grow some vegetables which hopefully the players will eat as well.” Maryam, 22 years old, expressed contentment at being safe following a distressing departure from her native country, despite having spent eight months at the MoD base. She remarked, “Although we are not in a house it gives us a sense of hope that in the near future we will have our own house and access education and working, which women back in Afghanistan are not allowed at the moment.” Maryam added, “My dream is for medication education. I would do something for the community as a doctor and when I return to home I can do something for my own people as well.”