The Resettlement Service
Globally we have experienced a decade of increasing conflict, climate shocks and instability. All these factors continue to push people from their homes, driving displacement ever higher. In the world today, over 123 million people are forcibly displaced. In the face of such challenges, we must focus on solutions. - UK Government April 2025
Displacement is an issue affecting all corners of the globe. As a result, people come to Cornwall, due to experiencing fear and persecution. The numbers of displaced people in Cornwall remain very low and currently represent approximately 0.1% of our total population.
Cornwall Council supports the global humanitarian response to welcoming refugees and asylum seekers. We offer support so people torn from their homes can feel safe and contribute to Cornwall, both economically and culturally.
Funded by the UK government (not by Council Tax), the Resettlement Service at Cornwall Council helps refugees and asylum seekers who have been forced from their homes. They work with our brilliant Cornish communities, enabling people to lead safer, happier, and more fulfilling lives in the UK.
We’re always balancing the needs of local communities, honouring government policy changes and funding in this important area of work with the global need to take care of people who have been forced to flee their home country.
Serena Collins is the Cornwall Council Strategic Lead for the Resettlement Service. She says:
“Cornwall, like the rest of the UK, plays a role in helping people in need. As we grow, we will become more culturally diverse, and we are committed to offering opportunities for everyone, with support from the UK Government. We aim to help people embrace new cultures while celebrating and educating others of our Cornish traditions."
“The Cornish have always migrated for work, new experiences, and ideas, bringing back new influences. Resettlement can benefit Cornwall, but it’s important that those who seek safety here feel welcome. We ask residents to respect others' privacy and show kindness to new neighbours.”
The Afghan Resettlement Programmes
The Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARAP) and The Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) have closed to new applicants. Applications already submitted will be processed until December 2028.
When we are out and about in Cornwall’s communities there are lots of questions about the refugee families we are resettling particularly Afghan refugee families. And about the houses we are using to do this.
The Afghan Resettlement program has been running in Cornwall since December 2023 with a total of 26 families currently living across Cornwall with a maximum of 40 families expected by 2029.
This is a UK government initiative aimed at resettling Afghan citizens who worked for or with the UK Government in Afghanistan and are at risk to life by the Taliban. Individuals are identified by the MOD and matched with Local Authorities using the properties purchased through the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF). This specific government fund is to increase housing within the county, properties are brought from the open market and after these houses have been used for this purpose, they will be added to Cornwall’s social housing stock to help local residents in need. In addition to the 26 homes purchased through LAHF for the Afghan Resettlement scheme, our participation in the resettlement scheme opened up funding to enable a further 31 properties to be purchased for temporary accommodation for homeless households. These additional temporary accommodation properties would not have been purchased without this specific government funding.
Previous occupations of Afghan people arriving who have a connection to MOD and therefore are at significant risk are:
interpreters
translators
security
police and judiciary staff
drivers
embassy staff
in regular local trades who have been assessed by the MOD as at risk under Taliban rule.
Many will speak multiple languages depending on their previous roles and all entitled to work on arrival. We are very grateful to local employers in Cornwall who have seen the value of their previous experience and work ethic and have made adjustments to support their new staff to integrate.
For others whilst improving their English they have been volunteering in local charity shops and community groups. They also continue to volunteer in their community after finding work. They have joined cricket clubs, football clubs and made friends in their communities, schools and colleges. The Afghan people have come with an ambition to thrive and support their families in a home where they can escape the trauma, torture and loss of their heart-breaking journeys.
Everyone deserves to feel safe
We’re committed to building a community which is inclusive and where racism is not tolerated. We’re taking steps to become an actively anti-racist place to live, work, and visit — and we invite you to be part of this journey.
Everyone deserves to feel safe
If you or someone you know is experiencing hostility or prejudice, it’s important to speak up. Say no to Hate Crime - learn how to recognise it and report it to Devon & Cornwall Police.
Refugees: in their own words
Every day, people and families who’ve been forced to flee their homes and become refugees, are rebuilding part of their lives here in Cornwall. These videos share the stories of some of those have found refuge in Cornwall, in their own words.
We are very grateful to the people interviewed for sharing their stories and thank them for their time and openness. You may find the content of these films upsetting. The interviews describe traumatic experiences of people being forced to flee their homes.
“Cornwall became more than a place of refuge. It became a community where we could rebuild our lives.” Ukrainian who has resettled in Cornwall.
Provide feedback to the Resettlement Service
If you would like to submit any general compliments and complaints, please email our customer services:
For specific comments or queries, please contact the Resettlement Service: