Preventing and relieving homelessness for refugees and former asylum seekers in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), especially those arriving via Ukraine sponsorship, Afghan resettlement, and family reunification schemes.
Executive summary
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council’s Refugee Multi-Disciplinary Resettlement Team delivers holistic, person-centred support to prevent and relieve homelessness among refugees and former asylum seekers.
By integrating housing, social care, health, and VCS expertise, the team provides tailored interventions, early identification of housing risks, and rapid move-on to settled accommodation. The approach has resulted in minimised instances of rough sleeping, minimal use of temporary accommodation, and positive outcomes for hundreds of households.
Continuous adaptation to policy changes underpins the project’s success, making it a model for replication across other local authorities.
At a glance
Budget
Funded through Home Office Resettlement and Asylum Dispersal grants, and partnership resources (including VCS commissioned services).
Other resources needed
Multi-disciplinary team (housing, social care, health, VCS), translation services, technology for remote support, partnership with statutory and voluntary agencies.
Timeframe to completion
Ongoing since 2021, with continuous adaptation to changing government policy and local needs.
Key deliverables/project outcomes
- infrequent instances of rough sleeping among refugees
- successful move-on from asylum accommodation to settled housing
- homelessness from Ukraine sponsorship becoming rare
- integrated, person-centred support for hundreds of refugee households
- delivery of support by with people with lived experience.
- replicable model shared regionally and nationally.
Challenge and context
Background
BCP has seen a significant increase in refugee arrivals through national resettlement schemes and asylum dispersal. Many arrive with complex needs, facing barriers to housing, integration, and wellbeing.
Organisational/local context
The council recognised the need for a dedicated, multi-disciplinary team to address fragmented support and prevent homelessness, especially as government policy changes have impacted the risk of street homelessness (e.g., rapid move-on from asylum hotels).
Key drivers
- rising numbers of refugees and former asylum seekers approaching as homeless
- need for coordinated, trauma-informed support
- desire to improve outcomes and reduce demand on statutory services.
What we did
Practical
- formed a multi-disciplinary team combining housing, social care, health, and VCS expertise
- built partnerships across council departments and with external agencies
- employed staff with lived experience of displacement.
Challenges and management
- managed language and cultural barriers with translation services and community engagement
- responded to policy changes (e.g., asylum hotel closures) with rapid, creative solutions
- navigating socio-political shifts.
Key stages
- early identification of housing risks and needs
- holistic assessment and tailored support planning
- rapid intervention to prevent loss of accommodation
- support for move-on to settled housing, including tenancy sustainment
- ongoing integration support (health, education, employment).
The difference
- infrequent instances of rough sleeping among refugees
- minimal use of temporary accommodation across the refugee diaspora
- high proportion of households moving swiftly into settled homes
- improved wellbeing and integration for refugees.
- reduced demand on statutory services
- positive feedback from service users and partners.
Lessons learned
What we learnt: Early intervention and holistic, person-centred support are critical for preventing homelessness.
Changes made: Greater emphasis on trauma-informed practice and improved partnership working.
Effectiveness: Measured by consistently low levels of rough sleeping, swift move-on rates, and positive feedback from users and partners.
Future programmes: Approach can be scaled for other vulnerable groups and shared nationally as best practice.