HAMPSHIRE residents have been asked to help support Afghan refugees.

Southampton City Council has renewed calls for private landlords to come forward and assist with housing the refugees.

Hampshire charity Community First is also asking for laptop, smartphone, and tablet donations for evacuated Afghan families.

It comes as thousands of people fled Afghanistan over the past weeks after the Taliban took control of the country.

Local councils in the UK are being asked to assist in supporting Afghan refugees to resettle in the country.

But last month Cllr Daniel Fitzhenry, council leader at Southampton City Council, appealed to private landlords in the city as he said the council does not have houses available from its own housing stock.

In a recent statement a spokesperson for the authority said: “We have had a good response from private landlords in the city and are currently processing paperwork for five suitable properties. As yet there are no timescales for how long this processing will take. We continue to work with the Home Office and the South East Strategic Migration Partnership to ensure our contribution to the national effort is proportionate. We think there is potential for a few more homes in the city and would encourage all private sector landlords who may have a suitable property to get in touch with us.”

Community First is also looking for laptop, smartphone, and tablet donations.

The charity has been co-ordinating donations in Hampshire for evacuated Afghan families who are staying in temporary accommodation across the county.

Its chief executive Tim Houghton said: “Now that we are successfully distributing the most essential items to families, we can turn our attention to supporting families with establishing their life in the UK and staying socially connected during a very difficult time. Supplying laptops, smartphones and tablets will go a long way to ensuring families can keep in contact with loved ones who may be very far away and start accessing vital services that will help them in the resettlement process.”

The charity asked for donations to be “new, nearly new, or used

devices that are in good condition”.

To contact the charity visit www.cfirst.org.uk.

Private landlords who would like to contact Southampton City Council can email  afghan.housing@southampton.gov.uk