The Mothers’ Union in the Diocese of Leeds has been supporting arriving Afghan refugees in Manchester by helping to provide toys and coats for families.
Mothers’ Union President Jean Thurman has provided the below report.
“Through our projects such as providing family holidays and emergency toiletry packs for hospital patients or supporting prisoners and their families, we always try to listen to what is needed and respond.
“Early in August, before the Taliban took over in Kabul, we discovered help was needed for quarantining Afghan families in hotels.
“A Manchester hotel manager, son of an MU member who lives in the Huddersfield Episcopal Area is our contact.
“Working alongside Manchester Diocese MU, we sent outdoor toys and games for when the Afghan children had time outdoors.
“We were asked for warm coats for the children, ready for when they leave quarantine and move again.
“Our members have worked very hard right across the diocese collecting hundreds of good quality coats.
“These have been taken to Manchester and received gratefully by the families.
“We recently supplied new underwear for the children too.
“We will continue this support for however long the arriving Afghan people need us.
“It is such a privilege to play a small part in welcoming them to the UK.
“We pray for them.”