A community fund in Dorset is offering grants to help asylum seekers and refugees build new lives in the county.

The Dorset Welcome Fund has reopened, offering grants of up to £5,000 to voluntary groups and charities to support community action that helps refugees and asylum seekers of any nationality arriving, residing, or settling in Dorset.

The fund is once again being supported with contributions of £50,000 from Dorset Council and £30,000 from BCP Council as well as from Dorset Community Foundation fundholders.

The activities can include wellbeing projects adapted or targeted towards refugees and asylum seekers, cultural heritage activities for children and young people, services to support improved mental health and activities supporting English language skills or routes into employment. 

Dorset Echo: Treads charity in Blandford running cookery and activity sessions for young Ukrainians and young

New groups established for less than six months can also apply but will only be eligible for a maximum grant of £2,000.

The fund was launched in 2022 inspired by the plight of Ukrainians fleeing to the UK in the wake of the Russian invasion. It has subsequently awarded more than £80,000 to 18 projects across the county.

READ MORE: Dorset Welcome Fund to help Ukrainian refugees fleeing from horror of war

Among the recipients was Treads in Blandford who, together with the Friendly Food Club, were awarded £7,900 to run cookery and activity sessions for young Ukrainians and young people from the town.

Libby Lloyd, senior youth leader of Treads, said: “It focused on integrating Ukrainian young people, their families, and local young people, by learning and engaging in the Ukrainian culture, particularly food.

“It helped show the Ukrainian community that they are welcome in Blandford and that the local people are interested in them and their culture – and break down some barriers.” 

The foundation’s chief executive Grant Robson said: “Last year we were thankful for the support of Dorset and BCP Council to help us support projects that showed people fleeing for their lives a warm welcome to Dorset and provided practical, compassionate help in starting again here in our county.

“The councils have recognised how well the grants were used last year and been good enough to back us again this year and we know there will be no shortage of applications from grass roots community groups and charities doing similar amazing work.”

More information about the fund can be found on the Dorset Community Foundation website: dorsetcommunityfoundation.org.