Refugee resettlement and support

Wandsworth has a long and proud history of welcoming migrants, from the Huguenots in the 17th century onwards. 

Settlement of asylum seekers and refugees in appropriate communities with appropriate support is complex, and is rightly being coordinated at a national level.

Our support

We are ready to do what we can to support efforts to resettle those fleeing danger.

We offer a broad range of support as part of our Borough of Sanctuary commitment, including a grant scheme and support for those with no recourse to public funds.

From March 2022, we have welcomed Ukrainian nationals through the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme. 

Learn about the support provided to Ukrainians in the borough, and ways you can help.

Afghan nationals have also been resettled in Wandsworth through the government's Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and the Afghan Citizens’ Resettlement Scheme (ACRS).

We have supported the Syrian refugee scheme, under which we have facilitated the resettlement of 51 people in 12 families since October 2016, securing them accommodation and supporting their integration into education and employment.

How you can help

We know many of our residents are eager to help, but it’s easy to feel powerless and it’s hard to know where to start.

Until we have housing allocated and are ready to welcome refugees to Wandsworth, there is no specific local demand for donations such as clothing, toys, toiletries etc.

There are a number of charities supporting refugees, including British Red Cross, the Refugee Council and Refugee Action. The best way to support them at the moment is with financial donations.

We are also looking for private rental accommodation to provide housing for refugees.

Donations to charities

These charities work with and for refugees and greatly value any donations you can make.

Afghanaid

Afghanaid provides kitchen kits that allow people who have left their homes to cook and safely store food, plus solar-powered lamps, stoves and gas cylinders.

"We are working hard to ensure the safety of our staff and where possible have reopened a number of our offices to continue our work in supporting remote rural communities. We are delivering emergency support to families whose lives have been destroyed or uprooted by the conflict."

Afghanistan and Central Asian Association

Based in Hounslow, the ACAA provides support, skills, and knowledge to help our communities live and prosper in the UK. They are currently working to support the crisis by:

• Liaising with hotels who are accommodating Afghan arrivals and establishing what essential items are needed.
• Sourcing the items needed from our donations and distributing them to the hotels.
• Supporting members of the community who have concerns about families back in Afghanistan.  All conversations are logged and emails sent to MPs.

To help, you can:

• Donate to support the resettlement work
• Purchase required items from their Amazon wishlist
• Volunteer

British Red Cross

The British Red Cross is raising funds to support their work.

In the UK, staff and volunteers are welcoming foreign nationals, providing emotional support and essential items.

In Afghanistan, money donated will provide Afghans with basic medical supplies and medicines as well as food, shelter and water.

Donate to the British Red Cross

International Rescue Committee

Emergency relief charities are asking for donations, with the International Rescue Committee trying to raise $10 million to continue delivering lifesaving aid.

London Refugee Response Fund

The London Refugee Response Fund has been set up to give Londoners a way to provide much needed support to refugees and people seeking asylum living in London).

The monetary donations collected will be routed to organisations and not individuals, to try to meet medium and long term need.

Donate to the London Refugee Response Fund

Refugee Action

Refugee Action specialises in welcoming and supporting refugees in the UK. At the moment they have staff at airports welcoming refugees and are helping people with urgent needs such as meals and means to contact family.

Donate to Refugee Action

Refugee Council

The Refugee Council provides crisis advice and practical support to help refugees to integrate into their new communities, and offers mental health counselling. Money donated will contribute to mental health support, employment assistance, language and integration support and many other things.

Donate to the Refugee Council

Women for Women International

Women for Women International is committed to finding practical, safe, solutions so it can continue to operate and make a positive difference for the people of Afghanistan who have already suffered far too much and who deserve peace and prosperity.

If you are a private landlord

We are looking for landlords who could provide a secure and safe home for refugees resettling in London. If you would like to rent a property through us at an affordable rate and help refugees to come to Wandsworth for resettlement, please contact us.

Suitable homes

Government criteria means we can only offer self-contained homes to refugees.

Properties must meet the following criteria:

• Located within the borough of Wandsworth
• A self-contained home
• Have at least two bedrooms (ideally three/four)
• Fully furnished
• Available for private letting and as a landlord you will accept rent at local housing allowance rates
• Can be let on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy for at least 24 months

These requirements are designed to ensure families have the security and space they need.

We are offering incentive packages to support private landlords. 

Contact us

Contact our temporary accommodation team who administer this scheme:

• Telephone: 020 8871 7333
• Email: landlordlettings@wandsworth.gov.uk

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