Leader's statement - Turkey/Syria earthquake appeal

Cllr Peray Ahmet, Leader of Haringey Council, has issued a statement following a meeting with community leaders and local MP's over the tragic earthquake that has taken place in Turkey and Syria.

"It was really important for me to meet with representatives from our local Turkish and Kurdish communities today.  

"I heard first-hand about the incredible ways in which the community is working around the clock to support those most closely affected and to organise support for the relief effort.

"The response from across Haringey has been immense, in fact so much so that the organisation has asked that residents do not seek to make further donations of clothes, blankets or bedding as they do not have the capacity to sort, store or ship anything further.

"Instead, the community were clear that where residents are able to make financial contributions that was currently the best way to help.

"It was also really important that we were joined at the meeting by Catherine West MP and Feryal Clark MP to hear about the efforts being made in Parliament to ensure that our national response is as swift and effective as it can be.

"We are grateful for their efforts and leadership, and we will work closely with them as the situation develops over the weeks and indeed months to come.

"We also talked at the meeting about the need to support our communities here who are experiencing shock, fear and grief as events unfold before our eyes.  We will work with the NHS and our schools to ensure that the appropriate emotional support is available for our residents including our children and young people.

"We will be establishing a co-ordinating group, drawn from attendees at today’s meeting, who we will work with to steer our work as the situation develops.

"Every day brings more harrowing images from the region, but I am heartened by the strength of our communities and I know that working together we will do everything we can to support those who need it the most."