The Resettlement Service

The aim of the Resettlement Service is to help new arrivals to Cornwall lead safer, happier, more fulfilling lives so they can can make positive contributions in their new communities.

The role of the Resettlement Service is to work with partners to meet the needs of refugees as Cornish residents.

Cornwall Council has committed to support the global humanitarian response in resettling refugees and asylum seekers. We must help refugees and their families rebuild their lives so they can contribute to Cornwall, both economically and culturally.

Serena Collins is the Cornwall Council Strategic Lead for the Resettlement Service.

‘Refugees are skilled people, often with expertise that can add to our own rich culture. We want to enable Cornwall to fully realise the benefits of their arrival. 

We know that misinformation can be used to heighten ill feelings towards these vulnerable people.

So, we are determined to make sure people are given the facts about resettlement in Cornwall. We hope everyone can see the worth in helping refugees and asylum seekers start a new life in peace and safety.’ 
   
                                                                (Serena Collins, Strategic Lead, Resettlement Service)

You can contact Serena Collins via email here ResettlementService@cornwall.gov.uk

Cornwall Council's Resettlement Service works to help refugees and asylum seekers integrate into and strengthen our communities. It is funded by the Home Office and includes the Refugee and Asylum Seeker Outreach Team.

Find out more about the work of the Resettlement Service in the Changing Perspectives booklet.

Download the Changing Perspectives booklet

Refugees: in their own words

As part of Refugee Week 2023 we created videos to share the stories of refugees in Cornwall, in their own words.  Every day, people and families who’ve been forced to flee their homelands and become refugees, are starting new lives here in Cornwall.

These films have been made at the request of the Cornwall Resettlement Service to bring to life the human stories behind the word ‘refugee’. 

We are very grateful to the people interviewed for sharing their stories and thank them for their time and openness.

People may find the content of this film upsetting. As the interviews describe traumatic experiences of people being forced to flee their homes.

These are their stories:

Refugee and Asylum Support Alliance

We have worked with Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum to form a Refugee and Asylum Support Alliance.  This alliance brings together over 40 community groups and voluntary organisations to:

• discuss key topics such as skills, employment and community activities.
• coordinate support for individuals and families as they resettle in Cornwall.
• hear from expert and guest speakers about refugee and asylum issues.

The purpose of the alliance is to share ideas and create a community of credible voices that can provide a collective support offer for resettled communities within Cornwall and build collective understanding for the future.

If you would like to find out more, please contact Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum through their website (link below) or email:  refugees@corwallvsf.orgCornwall Voluntary Sector Forum 

Provide feedback to the Resettlement Service

If you would like to submit any general compliments and complaints, please email Cornwall Council customer services, customerservices@cornwall.gov.uk

For specific comments or queries, please contact Resettlement Service directly via email at ResettlementService@cornwall.gov.uk

We are currently reviewing our webpages, and further content will be updated in due course.