A PETERSFIELD charity has made a plea for help to home 167 lone children in danger from sexual predators and people traffickers.

Petersfield’s Rural Refugee Network (RRN) is holding a public meeting to try and find families who will look after the youngsters, mainly from Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan Syria, Iraq and Eritrea.

Some of them have travelled thousands of miles on their own, only to end up living alone in a camp, and in danger of exploitation and violent harm.

Although it is expected not all the 167 children, aged 12 to 17 years old, will come here, it is hoped some can be found homes locally.

Network spokesman Julia Waugh Thistleton said; “The more homes we can find here, the more we can help.

“And if these children who have suffered terribly live near each other they won’t feel so alone or abandoned.”

Her colleague Emily Mott added: “At the moment these children are in group homes here, or in camps in Europe, where they are at risk from trafficking and sexual abuse and violence every day.”

Foster carers already looking after refugee children and Hampshire County Council childrens team will also be at the meeting.

They will give advice, and talk about carers experiences, and discuss issues facing those looking after refugee children.

Those who want to help, but may not want to be foster carers, can join the supported lodgings scheme.

Under it a refugee child would live with a family as a lodger; the family would offer support and guidance, to help them become independent.

Once the youngsters are with a family, the county council will oversee their care, and the government will fund it.

The RRN team is also meeting The Foster Network charity next week to enlist support for their home search; the charity said: “Fostering can provide these children, who often arrive with nothing and no-one with stability, care, love and support at a critical time.”

The meeting on Monday, September 26, at 7pm in the Town House in Petersfield High Street is open to everyone interested.

Those who are interested, but can’t make the meeting can email Emily Mott on [email protected] for details