REFUGEES and asylum seekers from war-torn countries have been helped to settle into Dorset with a grant divided between numerous groups.

The Dorset Community Foundation’s Welcome Fund was launched last year and has now funded 18 projects across the county with more than £70,000 distributed.

Among the grant recipients is the Shaftesbury Refugee Group, which used a £4,000 grant to support Syrian and Ukrainian families with English conversation lessons, subsidised transport, driving lessons and organising get togethers.

Trustee Stuart Twiss said: “The grant has been extremely enabling and we have been able to use it to support Ukrainians in situations that were difficult for them.

Dorset Echo: Shaftesbury Refugee Group hold a tree planting event with members of the Syrian communityShaftesbury Refugee Group hold a tree planting event with members of the Syrian community (Image: DCF)

“The typical award is around £150 but what it does is tell the refugees that there are people behind them, there’s support and there’s a connection to the community.”

Citizens Advice Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch, used a £4,000 grant to set up an advice clinic at Bournemouth Library for refugees and asylum seekers to drop in and seek help with navigating the immigration system.

Purbeck Connect Ukraine is using £3,475 to help families and children learn English and help their host families pick up some Ukrainian phrases – as well as helping with furniture and bedding as they move into their own homes.

Safe and Sound in Bournemouth is using £5,700 to run fortnightly sessions for Ukrainian mums and children to meet together at its cafe. Manager Dot Pickett said: “This is to encourage women who may be isolated in their homes to come together, while their older children are in school.”

Dorset Echo: Purbeck Community Connect use grant to organise outings and get togethers for Ukrainian families staying in the areaPurbeck Community Connect use grant to organise outings and get togethers for Ukrainian families staying in the area (Image: DCF)

Treads in Blandford, together with the Friendly Food Club, has been awarded £7,900 to run cookery and activity sessions for young Ukrainians and people from the town.

Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council’s member for culture, communities and customer services, said: “Dorset has a proud history of welcoming new arrivals at times of crisis, offering homes and support to people escaping the horrors of war.

“With our support, the DCF Welcome Fund has made a real difference to Ukrainian and Afghan refugees as they build new lives here in Dorset.”

Visit dorsetcommunityfoundation.org for more information.