A welcome meeting with a Ukrainian refugee and host families was held to explore how the town can offer the best support to newcomers arriving to the town.

The Bridport Quakers held the first of a series of meeting this week for Ukrainian refugees and their host families to institute a 'Welcome to Bridport' strategy .

Will Austin, the town clerk, invited residents Glenn and Valentine Crawford to bring their Ukrainian guest Mila Bielicova, who were asked to speak about the issues that have already arisen since she arrived in Bridport from Ukraine.

Mila arrived in the UK last Thursday through the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, and, through someone knowing her niece, was put in contact with Glenn and Valentine. Mila's niece and sister are also said to be arriving in Bridport soon.

Valentina Osborne translated for Mila, and Terri Foxwell, manager of the Tourist Information Centre, spoke of the information already available to welcome newcomers to the town.

During the meeting the group realised it would need to call upon the people of Bridport to help answer the many varied needs of the refugees when they arrive. They said translation was a key issue and they will be looking for people who speak Ukrainian or Russian. They also expressed a need for an English as a Second Language (ESOL) teachers who can volunteer to help guests learn English and want people to offer friendship, country walks, cups of tea and shopping trips.

Margie Barbour explained how the Bridport Refugee Support Campaign had become a charity and raised money to welcome a refugee family to the town last month under the Government’s Resettlement Campaign.

Mr Austin said: “It was a humbling moment to meet Mila, who has fled war, journeyed across Europe and has sought sanctuary in our town. We welcome you Mila, and all of our guests arriving from Ukraine.

"With the help of our fantastic community, the town council wants to make our wonderful home your home too. We also thank the incredibly generous hosts who have opened up their homes, Bridport Refugee Support Campaign for their valued knowledge and support, and other local volunteers who have stepped up to help.

"Together we will show the best of our community spirit support to our friends arriving from Ukraine.”

The generous response to the crisis by the people of Bridport has also led the group to wonder if they could ask local businesses to look for employment opportunities for people with limited language skills, and if they could offer free or reduced-price meals, coffees, haircuts, and clothes.

The group said it was hoping to arrange free entry to the Leisure Centre for Ukrainian refugees as well as free transport on the First Direct buses.

Meetings will be held in the Quaker Meeting House on Tuesdays, from 1pm to 10pm, for Ukrainians and their host families. Anyone who thinks they can offer support to refugees is asked to contact Will Austin at 01308 456722 or enquiries@bridport-tc.gov.uk.