Ukraine Conflict One Year On - Appeal For More Host Households
As the nation prepares to fall silent tomorrow to mark a year since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, Derbyshire County Council is renewing its appeal for more households to host refugees.
New hosts are being sought for a range of reasons but mostly where households – which have supported Ukrainian guests for considerably longer than the six months they originally signed-up to – can no longer commit to hosting.
Hosts must be able to offer accommodation for a minimum of six months and be able to provide a basic level of support including welcoming their guests to the local area and helping with tasks such as registering with a GP, accessing local and public services and opening a bank account.
Each host household supporting a Ukrainian guest or guests receives a monthly £350 ‘thank you’ payment, with this monthly payment rising to £500 when guests have been in the UK for more than 12 months.
There are now a number of Ukrainian guests who are looking to move into independent accommodation, and private landlords with available accommodation to rent are being sought across the county and asked to get in touch.
Leader of Derbyshire County Council Councillor Barry Lewis said: “When local residents selflessly opened up their homes many months ago to Ukrainians in need of a place to stay, no one could have known that the conflict would be continuing today.
“I’d like to thank each and every host family, past and present, which has helped out as part of the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme for the kindness and support shown to Ukrainian refugees in their hour of need.
“Sadly, the war is far from over, which is why we need more hosts to come forward while we work with other local organisations as part of the Derby and Derbyshire Resettlement Cohesion and Integration Board to support Ukrainian guests as they become established in the community.
“If you have room in your home and compassion in your heart then I’d urge you to please come forward and email UkraineHosts@derbyshire.gov.uk”
Around 1,200 refugees arrived in Derbyshire from Ukraine and around 900 are still being hosted.
While some have returned to Ukraine, or moved out of Derbyshire to elsewhere, there’s a growing number of guests who are now employed and living in the county.
The Derby and Derbyshire Resettlement Cohesion and Integration Board includes the county council, local district and borough councils and a range of other public sector agencies and charitable organisations all working together to support Ukrainian hosts and their guests.
The Government’s Homes for Ukraine ‘Sponsor Guidance’ which can be found online at www.gov.uk/guidance/homes-for-ukraine-sponsor-guidance outlines important information and things to think about before signing up to the scheme. Local information is also available on the county council’s website at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/UkraineHosts
You can find out more about the Government scheme at www.gov.uk/guidance/homes-for-ukraine-scheme-frequently-asked-questions
If you think you could commit to hosting, or are a private landlord with available accommodation to rent, contact UkraineHosts@derbyshire.gov.uk
Anyone who would like to offer support other than accommodation should email ukrainesupport@derbyshire.gov.uk
Article by Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service
More News From Amber Valley Info
| Local opticians focus on Macmillan fundraising AN OPTICIANS in Belper marked its 11th year supporting Macmillan Cancer Support by raising more than £500 as part of the charity’s read more | |
| Derbyshire On Track To Clear Pothole Backlog Derbyshire County Council is on track to clear its pothole backlog by mid-October, following significant investment in its highways serv read more | |
| Somercotes Library To Temporarily Close For Five Months Somercotes Library is to temporarily close for five months from 10 November due to nearby building work which is affecting th read more | |
| Olympic Taekwondo Star Bianca Walkden to Visit Alfreton, Derbyshire Olympic Taekwondo Star Bianca Walkden to Visit Derbyshire for Women’s Empowerment Fitness Event read more | |
| Could Becoming A School Crossing Patrol Change Your Life? When Billy Morley began helping children cross Derbyshire roads safely on their way to school he had no idea the impact it read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| Launch Of WOMBLE MANIA! At the Heights of Abraham, Opened by Marcus Robertson, Son of Wombles author, Elisabeth Beresford, officially launched WOMBLE MANIA! at the Heights of Abraha read more | |
| Belper School and Sixth Form Centre Closed Today Due to a significant water leak, resulting in the water being turned off at school, we unfortunately have to close the school today. read more | |
| When you need to call 999 but can't talk When you need to call 999 but can't talk - the ‘silent solution’ can help. Press 55 on your mobile when prompted, to confirm you are in read more | |
| The opening night of the Lights of Abraham Winter Lights Trail The brand new winter lights trail, the 'Lights of Abraham' opened on Friday 22nd November at the Heights of Abraham in read more | |
| Can You Help DREAM Paranormal With Their Research My name is Simon Dean, Lead Investigator of DREAM paranormal and I am looking for your help. read more | |
