Displacement and resettlement
Globally, we have experienced a decade of increasing conflict, climate shocks and instability. Nearly 118 million people remain forcibly displaced worldwide, one of the highest levels ever recorded. In the face of such challenges, we must focus on solutions.
Displacement is an issue affecting all corners of the globe. As a result, we expect to see more people coming to Cornwall, due to experiencing fear and persecution. The numbers of displaced people in Cornwall is very low and currently represent approximately 0.1% of our total population.
Resettlement figures: as of August 2026
We are hosting 229 Ukrainians and 30 Afghan families in Cornwall.
148 families in Cornwall are hosting Ukrainians through the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. In total, since the war began, more than 450 Cornish households have opened their doors to over 1,300 Ukrainian refugees.
Altogether, the Resettlement Service have helped circa 1500 people since June 2023 by providing:
initial welcomes
accommodation
ongoing assistance, drop in events, regular newsletters and grants for community projects
We have many families now securing work. Some are also volunteering to enhance employability skills and give back to communities.
We continue to be overwhelmed by the positivity of our communities. We have heard about and witnessed some heart-warming stories of compassion and welcome. These acts of kindness have been so important to families who have fled their own country because they are at risk.
Community grants
Since June 2023, £305k has been distributed to voluntary groups and local organisations to support our community.
By the end of 2025, we used our funding from central government to contribute more than £70,000 through community grant funding. This is for refugee-related projects across the county, including:
Community commemoration event to mark four years since Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine.
Cornish culture learning sessions including trips to culturally important local places such as:
Carn Brea
Cape Cornwall
Kresen Kernow
A wellbeing pilot project
Social drop ins and conversations clubs at different locations across Cornwall Council
Arts Lab: a programme of creative arts for refugee children and their classmates to work on together, sharing cultures
Free team sports sessions in Truro for local and refugee children.
£5000 was given to Outreach Paramedics in Cornwall. This was to help fund their storage facility for vital medical supplies sent on aid runs to Ukraine.
A variety of diversity and community events to encourage community integration.
Community workshops and information events during global Refugee Week.
Volunteer training and community group activities
Surf therapy activity sessions for Separated Children Seeking Asylum
Funding for Ukrainian community choir group activity
Welcome packs for gardens and window boxes from Kehelland Trust
More community grants are available for 2026. If you are part of a local group which focuses on inclusion and belonging in your area, please get in touch. WeBelong@cornwall.gov.uk