Source 4b: Extract from a letter from the Uganda Resettlement Board

UGANDA RESETTLEMENT BOARD
Riverwalk House, Millbank, London, SW1P 4RS 

Telephone 01-828-7848 ext. 

Our reference
Your reference 

15 March 1973 

Dear Sir, 

The Board have been considering ways in which Uganda Asian families in the community can be given further help to settle down. The Board have consistently taken the view that these families should rely for the local support which is often needed on the established statutory and voluntary agencies in their locality, and the Board is grateful to those agencies in many areas which are providing help and assistance. 

It has become increasingly apparent that, quite apart from the support that is being provided by the statutory services, there is another important need which seems to be more in the province of the voluntary organisations. This is the need for advice and assistance with the minor, but nevertheless important, mechanics of living in our community, such as shopping, local customs and regulations, the use of unfamiliar appliances, making acquaintances in the area and so on. The Board have, therefore, asked the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service and the Community Relations Commission to be good enough to arrange for visits to Uganda Asian families on their behalf, particularly in areas where families have settled in rather isolated groups. Such visits would not in any way be a substitute for the professional work of the Social Services and Social Work Departments but would be a supportive service.