Refugees and asylum seekers welcome

4:34pm - 11 May 2022
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Communities across North Somerset are working together to welcome and support those escaping humanitarian crises across the world.

It’s devastating to see families fleeing war, violence and persecution and so it’s vital that we help in times of need.

We work with residents, key partners and community organisations to offer safety, shelter and an opportunity for people to rebuild lives.

We’re currently helping refugees from Ukraine by providing access to a number of services to help them settle.

Voluntary Action North Somerset (VANS) is co-ordinating donations through its Ukrainian Support Appeal.

To find out more, including how you can offer a room in your home to Ukrainian refugees, visit our website.

We’re also assisting the government’s Asylum Dispersal Programme by providing temporary accommodation to people who are seeking asylum, while they await a Home Office decision on settled status.

This is funded by the Home Office and accommodation includes meals and access to a number of support services.

Organisations, including parish councils and community groups, are working together to ensure the ongoing health and wellbeing of people staying in the accommodation.

Young people below the age of 18 who arrive in the area unaccompanied by a parent or adult family member become looked-after by us.

For families fleeing violence from Syria and Afghanistan, we also ensure there is access to privately rented accommodation and a number of services to help them into education, employment, health services and more.

If you would like to help or donate, you can find out more about the voluntary organisations working across the region through the Bristol City of Sanctuary website.