The Mayor of Hackney, Philip Glanville; Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Deputy Mayor, and Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services; and Cllr Mete Coban, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport have issued this statement following the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. 

“On behalf of everyone at the Council and in Hackney, we want to express our heartbreak and sorrow at the loss of life, injury and destruction caused by the huge earthquake to hit Turkey and Syria. 

“Hackney is home to one of the largest Turkish and Kurdish populations in the country, we have also more recently welcomed refugees from Syria; and we know many of them will be anxious for family and friends in the region, and devastated by the impact of the disaster. We stand with you - and think of all those grieving at this terrible time. 

“We are also writing to community organisations as well as schools in the borough to ensure children affected or potentially impacted by the tragedy have the right support in place, including mental health and trauma support.” 

Anyone concerned about relatives or friends should call the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in London on 020 7008 5000. 

Disaster relief donations can be sent to the British Red Cross and the Turkish Red Crescent.