British people are already offering their homes to Afghan refugees

Kieran Galpin

A Wakefield pensioner has offered up his spare room, prompting others to do the same.

British people are offering up their homes to Afghan refugees in the wake of heartbreaking scenes in Kabul as desperate families try and flee the Taliban.

The government announced on Monday that it will take in 25,000 Afghan’s as part of the Afghan Citizens’ Resettlement Scheme, with 5,000 expected in the first year. Women and girls will be prioritised, due to it being particularly dangerous for them under the Taliban’s rule, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said.

But some big-hearted Brits are hoping to make the process easier, offering up their houses for as many refugees as they can take.

I am a 76 years old pensioner , I live on my own in a 2 bedroom bungalow. I have today informed Wakefield Council I am willing and able to give 2 refugees accommodation in my spare room.

— neil flek waugh . revolutionary socialist/marxist (@sammythedog1989) August 18, 2021

Socialist Neil Flek Waugh may well have been the originator of the humble offering, with his tweet on Wednesday gaining 45k likes and 3k retweets.

“I am a 76 years old pensioner, I live on my own in a 2 bedroom bungalow,” he writes on Twitter.

“I have today informed Wakefield Council I am willing and able to give 2 refugees accommodation in my spare room.”

The response to his post has been largely positive, with one person writing: “Well, that’s me just smashed the “follow” button instantly. Absolutely tremendous stuff, comrade!”

Are you thinking of hosting a refugee but have lots of questions?

I’ve had lots of DMs & the questions are mostly the same, so I’m going to share them with @RefugeesAtHome to RT so lots of people can see the various replies.

Then hosts / guests please reply with your answers.

— Niki Groom (@miss_magpie_spy) August 19, 2021

But Neil’s gesture has also sparked others to do the same and contribute in any way they can.

“We’ve likewise offered a room- to a young person seeking asylum- and will be matched with someone by the local authority. Good luck & well done,” writes Liz Wood in reply to Neil.

“Inspiring. We’ll do the same in York. We are in our 70s too,” said another.

A couple of years ago, @LoubielouW and I shared our house with a lovely Syrian who came to us through @RefugeesAtHome. We'll happily open our door again for somebody from Afghanistan. Do consider whether @RefugeesAtHome might work for you too. It's all very flexible and easy

— Prof. Ian Walker (@ianwalker) August 19, 2021

“This is so inspiring and heartwarming. I’ve been looking into this as we have a spare room in my family home and we’d like to help. I hope it all goes well and the council expedite this process for you! #refugeeswelcome.”