Last updated 21/4/22

You will by now have heard of the ‘Homes for Ukraine Scheme’ whereby people are able to offer accommodation to those escaping war in Ukraine. At present those who have a named individual they would like to host are being prioritised. Others willing to host are advised to express an interest and will then be updated on the progress of the scheme. You can also contact the charities below to help with matching process. The following are links that explain the situation for those who would like to know more:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/60735121                                                                                        An introduction based on information 13/3/22

Government websites

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/homes-for-ukraine-scheme-launches                      This outlines the scheme

https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk/                                                                                 This link is for those who wish to offer accomodation to register interest

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homes-for-ukraine-scheme-frequently-asked-questions     For frequently asked questions

Things to think about

https://cityofsanctuary.org/2022/03/21/things-to-consider-before-applying-to-sponsor/

The following link is to a webinar run by City of Sanctuary with many suggestions on ways to help in the current situation, and other situations involving those seeking sanctuary.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okYZERxpgbs

This mentions the Homes for Ukraine Scheme but a further session more directly concerned with this, how it will work and practical aspects,  is available here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHs0w5_1LzA

There will also be a further session ‘Schools as a Place of Healing’ online on 12th May at 4pm. Further information available via this link:

https://cityofsanctuary.org/events/refugee-week-school-as-place-of-healing/

Charities that may be able to help match hosts and refugees

• Room for Refugees: hosting programme running since 2002                                               https://www.paih.org/get-involved/host-a-refugee-in-your-home
• Reset: has run community sponsorship schemes since 2018                                               https://resetuk.org
• Sanctuary Foundation: have a video on the process so far, assisting gov scheme             https://www.sanctuaryfoundation.org.uk/#about
• World Jewish Relief: run a number of projects in Ukraine                                                      https://worldjewishrelief.org/news/1269-urgent-update-ukraine-crisis
• Welcome Churches:                                                                                                                    https://welcomechurches.org/ukraine-welcome/

Cheshire West and Chester County Council (CWACC)

See website:    https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/your-council/policies-and-performance/equality-and-diversity/Ukraine-Conflict.aspx

Specific emails for enquiries : [email protected]

CWACC encourage individuas to give feedback on their hosting/sponsorship experiences to Sam Dixon at the above email address. Also unmatched sponsors are asked to contact CWACC so a pool of contacts can be established. Again the email above can be used for this.

CWAC will be using the network of ‘community champions’ that was built up during the pandemic as a means to communicate key messages with people who want to help. A webinar will be held on Monday 4th April at 6pm with invites sent to those in the network. Anyone interested can sign up here: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/news-and-views/incidents/coronavirus-covid-19/how-you-can-help/how-you-can-help.aspx