A new Bradford project aims to support destitute asylum seekers while fostering greater understanding within the community.

The Hosting Project, which is part of Bradford Ecumenical Asylum Concern, is the brainchild of Will Sutcliffe. The project aims to house vulnerable asylum seekers with hosts in Bradford.

Mr Sutcliffe believes the project, trialled successfully elsewhere in the country, will be just as successful in Bradford.

He said a key part is addressing the stigma attached to asylum seekers: "When the public in places like Bradford and elsewhere actually meet these people (asylum seekers) they see the faces behind the news coverage and see them as real people with real feelings and concerns.

"Many people's lives have been positively enriched by meeting people from other countries with experiences different from their own. It can really help to broaden horizons and deepen understanding.

"Those who I have spoken to who have hosted in projects elsewhere felt they had gained a great deal from the experience and that it had been very much a reciprocal relationship."

He admits the project will have its critics, but believes the hosts will benefit as much as the asylum seekers for whom they provide.

Mr Sutcliffe said: "Some people will say aren't you asking a huge amount from the hosts?', and in a sense we are, but the rewards they will receive are immense as well.

"As a society we have so much, but somehow it is perceived to be more admirable for someone to go to another country to help people than it is to help the same people who are here. When desperate people are among us they are no longer acceptable they seem to take on a different persona."

Mr Sutcliffe's social work background has put him into contact with some of society's most vulnerable people, including a successful placement service for adults with learning disabilities. The Hosting Project is an extension of that original service.

"For the first time since the creation of the welfare state, there is a group of people in this country with no access to support or services, who are truly destitute," he said.

"Asylum seekers have no right to work, no entitlement to benefits or housing. It is a huge problem. We do not know how many of these people are out there, or are here in Bradford because by definition they are non-people."

The group is looking for volunteers to become hosts.

"We only accept referrals from agencies which work with asylum seekers and there is a vetting process. Regrettably, we will not be able to accept people with severe mental health issues or drug or alcohol problems. A domestic situation such as those provided by the scheme would not be appropriate in such cases. Those offering to host will also be vetted.

"Anyone wishing to become involved will be given training and advice from people who have previously hosted.

"People without status need indefinite support but we aim to have a pool of hosts so guests can be rotated and we are also looking for people who might be able to provide short term breaks for hosts.

"We are also looking for anyone who can provide financial support for the project and would like to help but do not feel they would be able to become a host themselves."

Anyone seeking further information, potential volunteers or donors should e-mail host.beacon@yahoo.com or call (01274) 727525.