A FUND for groups helping asylum seekers and refugees build new lives has reopened for applications.

Dorset Community Foundation’s Dorset Welcome Fund is offering grants of up to £5,000 to voluntary groups and charities to support action that helps anyone of any nationality arriving, residing or settling in the county.

This is being supported with contributions of £50,000 from Dorset Council and £30,000 from BCP Council.

New groups established in the past six months can apply but are only eligible for grants of up to £2,000.

Last year, more than £80,000 was awarded to 18 projects across Dorset.

The fund was inspired by the plight of Ukrainians fleeing to the UK following the Russian invasion of the country.

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.

This is for those seeking help with navigating the immigration system, in a fully confidential and unlimited service.

Safe and Sound in Bournemouth was given £5,700 to run fortnightly sessions for Ukrainian mums and children to meet at its café.

Manager Dot Pickett said: “It encourages women who may be isolated in their homes to come together while their older children are in school.

“Many want to get together with other people in similar circumstances to them, to have the time, space and opportunity to see others from their country and to create a support group and network to help them heal from trauma and integrate into their new country.”

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

Other beneficiaries included Shaftesbury Refugee Group, which were granted £4,000, and Bridport Community Shed, which was awarded £3,000.

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.”

For more information and to apply, visit the Dorset Community Foundation website.