The generosity and compassion of our community has never been clearer, as so many local families have come forward to welcome Ukrainian citizens into their homes.
Our thoughts at this time must be with the Ukrainian people who have suffered this brutal invasion, and I am pleased to see our humanitarian efforts continue both here in South Gloucestershire and across the world.
For all those people seeking safety and refuge, the Government has launched the Homes for Ukraine scheme, in which local families and community organisations can sponsor Ukrainians to come to the UK. Anyone in the UK can become a sponsor, so long as they have at least six months’ leave to remain in the UK. Sponsors will be asked to provide a home or spare room for as long as they are able to and for a minimum of six months. More information is available at gov.uk/register-interest-homes-ukraine
As of Friday 1 April 2022, the national database indicates that there are 63 South Gloucestershire sponsors that have been matched with 151 Ukrainian guests, 62 of which are children.
The Government is supporting local Councils with support that is worth £10,500 in extra funding per person plus additional top-ups available for child education. This will empower more Councils such as our own to offer wider support to Ukrainian families and help them to integrate into communities.
As our local MP, I am in touch with those selfless and kind families who are participating in the Home for Ukraine scheme, and I will do everything I can to help support the visa application process and help bring these families to our region as quickly as possible.
And there are so many other ways you can offer support in our community. The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has launched a Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, whilst you can make a donation towards the UN’s humanitarian work in Ukraine, by visiting crisisrelief.un.org/ukraine-crisis
If you have any questions about how you can offer support in South Gloucestershire Council then please do email the dedicated team at [email protected]
