Chickerell Camp is being used to temporarily house the families of Afghan nationals who worked with or for the British Armed Forces and other government departments throughout operations in Afghanistan. This resettlement is part of the MoD’s ARAP Scheme—Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy.
This weekend saw the arrival of the first residents; however, the camp has been described as “bleak” for the high numbers of very small children who now live there. It is reported that the families have moved in with very few possessions. Their flights from Pakistan did not allow them to bring many items, and most had few to start with.
The situation was identified by Chickerell Town Council in conjunction with Chickerell Army Camp. Weymouth Town Council’s Mayor, Cllr Kate Wheller, contacted Weymouth & Portland Lions Club for assistance, and now Local Lions are working with the Weymouth Veterans Hub, Weymouth Rotary Club, and Weymouth and Portland Town Councils on an appeal for items to help welcome the families.
Chickerell Town Council’s Mayor, Cllr. Mike Jolliffe, said, “Chickerell Town Council is working with Chickerell Army Camp to identify items that are needed by the families to make them more comfortable. We are also working with our local community group, Spirit of Chickerell, who are purchasing five football goals and cricket sets for the older children. These will stay at the camp for the duration of the scheme. Any donations of warm clothes, coats, shoes, or good-condition toys would be most appreciated and can be dropped off at Chickerell Town Council’s Offices, Willowbed Hall, 39 Putton Lane, Chickerell, DT3 4PB, during the hours of 9.30 a.m. and noon”.
President of the Weymouth & Portland Lions Club said, “We are seeking donations of new or pre-loved warm clothes (adult women, men, and children), coats, shoes, and toys both to gift to the families who are currently housed in the camp and to build up a stock to ensure that the next set of families who arrive have items ready there to welcome them.”.
Andy Price of the Weymouth Veterans Hub added, “We understand that Christmas can be difficult, and many families have already gifted to local charities. However, if you have something you can gift to these families, it will support them during their short stay here in Dorset before they are rehomed and give them the opportunity to rebuild their lives after the service they gave.”.
Required Donations
- School bags – Older children
- Toys – All ages
- Pencils and colouring pens
- Warm clothes, coats, raincoats
- Bedding for babies
- Nappies
- Scooters and skateboards – Older children
Donations can be dropped off
Chickerell Town Council Offices 09:30 to 12:00 Monday to Friday (Closed 23rd December to 2nd January)
The Veterans Hub – 10:00-14:00 Monday – Saturday (Closed 26th December)
Mulberry Children Centre – 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday
Those wishing to make cash donation can do either by cheque made payable to
Weymouth & Portland Lions Club And post to Weymouth & Portland Lions Club, C/O Mark Lockie Niu Haus, Franchise Street, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8JU
or via bac’s Weymouth & Portland Lions Club Charity account number 91118050 Sort code 60-23-35
Reference Chickerell Camp on payment.
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