BOURNEMOUTH, Christchurch and Poole is home to hundreds of people believed to have fled conflict or faced persecution in other countries, figures show, as the UK prepares to welcome more people fleeing the war in Ukraine.

The Government has launched a new sponsorship scheme, which will let ordinary people, charities and businesses provide a safe space for Ukrainians who do not have family ties in the UK.

Councillor Karen Rampton, portfolio holder for people and homes, said: “In terms of the Ukrainian situation, we are also assisting the government with delivering their ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme, a sponsorship scheme matching residents offering rooms and properties to Ukrainians with no family connections wishing to come to the UK. 

 “We are pleased to say that many BCP residents have offered accommodation and a dedicated council team is currently undertaking the necessary checks along with the Home Office to verify these offers and enable people to travel.  The arrivals will be supported by a coordinated multi-disciplinary team including many of our statutory and voluntary partners in order to help people settle for the duration of their ‘leave to remain’. 

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“We are coordinating input from our partners to provide a very warm welcome and support people depending on their needs.  The support is expected to include help to find employment, getting children into school, GP registration, community integration, language classes and Covid-19 vaccinations.”

Home Office data shows Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole communities have already welcomed four refugees as part of other resettlement schemes since 2014.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole was home to at least 198 asylum seekers – people seeking sanctuary while applying for the right to be recognised as a refugee – in December.

While awaiting a decision, asylum seekers are unable to work but can be entitled to financial assistance and accommodation through what is known as Section 95 support.

Around 54,700 asylum seekers across the UK were receiving Section 95 support at the end of last year, including 196 in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. 

Cllr Rampton said: “The BCP area is providing accommodation for a number of refugees and asylum seekers, many of whom are placed by the Home Office rather than the council, as part of the national response.  

Bournemouth Echo: Afghans arriving in the UK after being fleeing the Taliban (MoD/PA)Afghans arriving in the UK after being fleeing the Taliban (MoD/PA)

“With the support of government funding, we have worked with partners, have temporarily accommodated, and been supporting a number of Afghan families over the last six months whilst also seeking private landlords who can offer longer term self-contained homes in the area.

“We have been co-ordinating lots of wraparound and spiritual support for all of these families to best integrate them into schools, work etc. whilst also making sure all of their immediate needs were met when they arrived, such as healthcare and clothing.”