DORSET residents are needed to support refugees resettling in the county after fleeing conflict in Syria.

Since December 2016, nine families have found new homes with the Dorset Syrian Settlement Programme, an initiative spearheaded by local authorities and charities.

Those accepted by the programme are supported for five years and given help with schools, private housing, jobs and healthcare.

At the end of the initiative, individuals can apply to stay in the UK for longer.

Volunteers are needed to support those who move to the area.

Steph Farr, who leads the resettlement programme, said: "There are so many ways that people can help these families.

"It could be helping them learn a new language, showing them round their new community or just befriending them.

"Volunteers offer a great deal of comfort to these families during a very daunting time and, in return, often make new friends themselves. These families have a great deal to offer – they just need a little bit of help along the way.”

The programme also needs more private properties that could be let to families, Ms Farr said.

“It’s important that these refugee families have somewhere to live and call home for the time they are in the UK. We are looking for more private properties that can be let to these families," she said.

Councillor Steve Butler, Dorset County Council cabinet member for safeguarding, said: “We’re very proud of the work being done to support refugee families in Dorset.

"The kindness shown by volunteers is just fantastic and shows what great people we have living in our local communities.

"If you think you could help in any way, please get in touch.”

For more information about the programme, including how to get involved, visit dorsetforyou.gov.uk/refugees