A number of Afghan families are now living in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area – albeit temporarily.

They have been transferred by the Home Office as part of the South West’s response to the resettlement programme. Further efforts are to be made to find them permanent homes across the country.

BCP Council Leader Drew Mellor said: “We are pleased to be supporting the government resettlement programme helping Afghan families start new lives in the UK. In many cases the families have experienced so much trauma already just to get here and I am sure they are made to feel welcome by people in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

“During their temporary stay in the area, whilst they await longer term housing solutions across the country, the council will be helping through working with our health and community sector partners to provide appropriate wraparound care and support services funded by the government. This will include access to health services and children and family support.

“It is not yet known if any of those arriving will go on to stay in the BCP area but we are working with our partners to assist where we can.”

Information around how local people can choose to help can be found at www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/supportingafghanistan.