Cornwall Council has supported people fleeing war, conflict and persecution for more than 10 years.
Supporting families to rebuild their lives
In 2016, Cornwall Council worked with Together for Families to support families affected by the war in Syria.
The Home Office identified families who had experienced:
persecution
violence or
torture
including women and girls who were particularly at risk. Cornwall welcomed 10 families. While the number was small, the impact was significant. These families found safety and the opportunity to rebuild their lives in Cornwall.
In 2022, communities across Cornwall came together to support people fleeing the war in Ukraine. 450 households opened their homes through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, offering:
accommodation
practical help and
emotional support
Today, many hosts still support Ukrainian guests. Some of these relationships have grown into lasting friendships, with guests becoming part of local families and communities.
Cornwall Council is proud to have played a leading role in delivering the Homes for Ukraine scheme. This has included:
managing the programme locally
safeguarding hosts and guests
creating new support services
providing ongoing advice and assistance
The Council has also developed a strong partnership with the Zakarpattia region of Ukraine.
Supporting Afghan families
Cornwall Council has also helped resettle families from Afghanistan.
Many of these families worked alongside the British military, police or embassy and could no longer live safely in their home country.
Working with other local authorities in the South West, Cornwall has provided:
homes
English language lessons and
support to help families settle into local communities
Over the past two years, around 30 Afghan families have made Cornwall their home. Many have found work, developed new skills and built new lives here.
A planned approach to resettlement
Cornwall Council carefully considers how it responds to government resettlement programmes.
We only take part where funding is available from central government and where we can provide the:
housing
services and
support people need to settle successfully
Before families arrive, we make sure the right support is in place. New arrivals receive information about:
life in Cornwall
their rights and responsibilities, and
the help available to become independent
Looking ahead
Around the world, people continue to leave their homes because of:
war
persecution
climate change and
other challenges
As part of the UK's response, Cornwall Council will continue to provide support for people who are most in need of protection.
Our aim is to help vulnerable people:
live safely
take part in community life and
reach their full potential
We also want to share the stories of the people we support. By doing this, we can help people see individuals and families, rather than statistics. It also encourages understanding between communities.
The inclusion and belonging team
To meet future needs and respond to changing government policies, the Resettlement Service will become the Inclusion and Belonging team.
The team will support communities as they adapt to changes in population and migration, both from within the UK and from overseas.
Our focus is to:
support new arrivals to settle into their communities
help local residents understand and respond to change
encourage inclusion, understanding and respect
build strong and connected communities
The team will continue to listen to feedback, answer questions and support open and respectful discussion.
We are committed to:
challenging hate and discrimination
promoting tolerance and understanding
helping communities thrive together
Global Voices: Understanding and Inclusion
Global Voices is Cornwall Council's cultural awareness and inclusion training programme.
The interactive workshop helps participants:
understand Cornwall's changing communities
improve cultural awareness
recognise unconscious bias
create more inclusive environments
The training is suitable for anyone who works with people from different backgrounds and life experiences.
Places are limited. Book online and share the opportunity with colleagues and professional networks.
Book onto the Global voices: understanding and inclusion training
Community events
Community events help people connect, learn from each other and build stronger communities.
Throughout the year, we organise, support and attend a range of events, campaigns and activities across Cornwall.
Find out more about community events and campaigns
Feedback and contact information
For general compliments or complaints, please email CustomerServices@cornwall.gov.uk.
For questions or comments about inclusion, belonging or resettlement, please email WeBelong@cornwall.gov.uk.