When the UK committed to relocating Afghan families under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and later the Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP), the urgency and scale of the task demanded an organisation capable of acting immediately, adapting constantly and delivering care with compassion.
Operation LAZURITE, established by the Ministry of Defence to coordinate this national effort, required a partner who could operate confidently in ambiguity while meeting the needs of thousands arriving after years of conflict and uncertainty. Mears became one of the MOD’s essential partners in turning that commitment into reality.
ARAP was created to protect Afghan nationals who had worked alongside the UK Armed Forces or Government in Afghanistan and were at serious risk of reprisals. Entitled Persons and their families were brought to the UK to begin new lives in safety and dignity, with Operation LAZURITE providing the operational backbone. To meet the pace of demand, Mears mobilised more than 240 colleagues across the UK and rapidly stood up sixteen Reception and Transit Sites. Many families arrived with little more than the clothes they were wearing and carried the emotional weight of years of uncertainty. Over the lifespan of the programme, Mears supported more than 11,600 people as they moved from arrival into safe, settled accommodation, one of the largest humanitarian housing operations delivered in modern government commissioning.
From the beginning, Mears’ role extended beyond providing shelter. Working hand‑in‑hand with Defence colleagues, local authorities, NHS partners and community organisations, Mears created a holistic support environment that recognised both the complexity of each family’s circumstances and the breadth of their immediate and longer‑term needs. Central to this work was trauma‑informed welfare and safeguarding. Daily on‑site support, combined with a robust safeguarding framework, ensured that concerns were identified early and responded to quickly. This approach built confidence among national and local partners that families were being protected within a strong multi‑agency structure.
Cultural adjustment formed another crucial strand of support. Mears delivered a comprehensive Cultural Induction Programme across all sites, helping families understand UK systems, public services and community norms. Follow‑up one‑to‑one sessions ensured that support could be tailored to individuals, helping them overcome personal challenges and adjust more comfortably to life in the UK.
Education and language played an equally important role in building independence. In partnership with the Home Office and the Department for Education, Mears delivered tutoring to prepare children for UK schooling and ESOL classes for adults seeking to build language confidence and improve employability. These programmes were vital in restoring stability for families and creating opportunities for long‑term resilience.
Healthcare support was delivered with the same level of care and coordination. Mears provided interim primary healthcare and Occupational Therapy assessments, enabling individuals with medical needs to receive early intervention and easing pressure on local NHS systems at a critical time. This ensured continuity of care from the moment families arrived until they were fully integrated into local services.
Life on the sites was also enriched by a wide programme of recreational and community activities. Sports, creative workshops and community events helped families rebuild a sense of normality, connection and joy during a challenging period of transition.
Operation LAZURITE itself was unlike any mobilisation the teams had faced. Sites needed to become operational within days, often against shifting priorities and a constant flow of families with differing needs. What truly distinguished the mission, however, was the scale of partnership required. Delivery relied on close collaboration with MOD operations teams, councils across the UK, NHS professionals, volunteers, linguists, tutors and cultural facilitators. Within this complex network, Mears became the steady presence that held the operation together, bridging agencies, smoothing processes and ensuring the work remained coordinated, safe and compassionate.
The pace of the mission meant learning happened in real time. Teams adapted rapidly, developed new expertise and strengthened relationships across Defence, government and the voluntary sector. These lessons now inform Mears’ broader approach to future resettlement and humanitarian programmes.
As the final Reception and Transit Sites closed, the scale of what had been achieved became clear. Families who had lived for years in danger and uncertainty were now beginning new lives in safety and stability. Although the programme now enters a smaller, long‑term phase, with Mears supporting around 250 settled properties, the spirit of the operation endures. Housing, at its heart, is not just about buildings; it is the foundation of dignity, safety and opportunity.
Operation LAZURITE remains enduring proof that when urgency meets humanity, extraordinary outcomes are possible.
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Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
Vicky has worked in media for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
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