Dorchester-based group is helping to signpost and promote local community groups providing advice as Dorset Council works to ensure any refugees from Ukraine are warmly welcomed.

Help and Kindness is working with the authority to help refugees and local sponsors, along with others in the Dorset Together network, which includes the NHS, Public health Dorset, the emergency services, faith groups, Volunteer Centre Dorset, Dorset Race Equality Council and other local groups. They are working together to coordinate the county's response, including support for Ukrainian individuals and families and local sponsors providing accommodation.

Councillor Laura Miller, portfolio holder for customer and community services at Dorset Council, said: "We would like to thank our partners for their amazing efforts in providing much-needed support to those arriving to the county, and to those who have kindly offered to provide accommodation.

"As part of the Dorset Together network, our role is to provide accommodation suitability and safeguarding checks, administer government-funded payments to sponsors, arrange school places for children arriving, and refer individuals t services and support including health, benefits and job seeking."

The Dorset Together network was formed during the Covid pandemic to support those who were shielding and vulnerable individuals. The group brings together a range of different services and support to provide a community-driven response.

Refugee support is being offered through Dorset Race Equality Council Refugee Support and Citizens Advice Dorset.

You can find out more at helpandkindness.co.uk

Information about homes for Ukraine, the Government's programme for those interested in housing a Ukrainian family or individual can be found at gov.uk

If you have any queries regarding support for refugees and sponsors, contact Dorset Direct, the council's customer service, by calling 01305 221000 or emailing [email protected]

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