With so many official services now online a smart phone will be essential for Afghan refugees arriving in the North West to keep in touch with authorities and build a new life here. It will also ensure they can phone/text/email their families who were left behind.

If you have an old smart phone with a charger that you don’t use anymore or if you can donate a new phone with charger and some credit, my constituency office in Walkden will be a drop-off point, so that you can donate your phones and I will ensure that they go to Afghan refugees who will need them.

There are some cheaper smart phones available, for example, there are some priced at £30 in Argos.

I can’t imagine what it must be like for people who have escaped in terror and fear and are still so worried for other members of their families and friends left behind. They will arrive here in a different culture, language, environment and society than that they left. Having a means of getting on the internet and keeping in contact with authorities like the Home Office, UK Visas and Immigration, charities and other local services will only increase the chances of their smooth integration into the North West.

If you can donate a phone, please contact my constituency office on 0161 799 4159 and we can tell you how to drop off any smart phone donations.

Many thanks.