A £6 million government grant will help refugees adapt to their new home.

The grant is round six of the government's Single Regeneration Budget and was allocated to a partnership involving local health authorities, the voluntary sector and the boroughs of Ealing, Hillingdon, Hammersmith, Hounslow, Harrow and Brent.

The bid was made after north west London authorities realised this sector of the community needed specialised help.

Deb Appleby, who chaired the Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow Health Authority's steering group for the bid, said: 'Refugees face enormous difficulties in finding basic information on health care, housing, schools and employment.'

The grant will be used to improve access to education, employment, training and health services from 2001.