Support for Ukraine
Key information links
Support for end of host arrangements & refer a host scheme
The Homes4Ukraine scheme has been in place since March 2022, since this time, many Ukraine nationals have left their host placements and have successfully found their own private rented accommodation or properties via Homes4Wiltshire.
To support guests, Wiltshire Council offers financial support in the form of the Ukraine Wilts Let Scheme and the Moving on Grant. Wiltshire Council has also purchased homes using government funding through the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) and Stone Circle that can be used for Ukraine nationals.
In addition to these measures, Wiltshire Council is launching a Refer a Host scheme, aimed to help Ukraine families remain in communities where they have already established a sense of belonging and identity. By rematching them with a new host after their initial placement has ended, they can continue their settlement in the UK with minimal disruption.
To participate in the Refer a Host scheme, it is important to ensure that the potential host is willing to provide accommodation for at least a six-month period. This can be for an ongoing placement or as emergency short-term placements during the six-month period. It is important to have a clear understanding and agreement between both parties to ensure a successful placement. All hosts will have to be screened for suitability and safeguarding checks as per government guidance. Referral eligibility criteria also require that referred hosts do not currently host Ukraine guests, are Wiltshire residents, and understand that they will host a Ukraine household that already resides in Wiltshire.
Referrers of successful nominations can expect a payment of £200, which is made directly to them, and the host receives ongoing financial assistance through thank you payments for the length of the host placement. It is important to note that payment is only made when a host is approved, and the guest has fully moved into the accommodation. Additionally, referrers must not nominate themselves, be over 18 and have a UK bank account that differs from the potential host's bank account.
Leaving children in the care of a sponsor
Where parents/legal guardians have applied through the main Homes for Ukraine scheme they should travel and stay with their children. Once in the UK, guests should not leave their child in the care of a sponsor (or an accompanying adult relative) for a period of 28 days or more. Guests must also not leave their child in the care of a sponsor (or an accompanying relative) for shorter periods on a regular basis.
If exceptional circumstances mean that the parent(s)/legal must leave their child in the care of a sponsor for a short period, they should agree this with the sponsor and inform the council in advance so they can carry out additional sponsor suitability checks.
Latest press release from Wiltshire Council
Wiltshire Council calling for more hosts this Ukraine Independence Day
Plans are in place as Wiltshire prepares to welcome Ukrainian refugees (www.wiltshire.gov.uk)
Ukraine Guest newsletters
- Guest Newsletter 11/10/2023 (Ukrainian) (opens new window) / Guest Newsletter 11/10/2023 (Russian) (opens new window)
- Guest newsletter: November 2023 - Ukrainian (opens new window) / Guest newsletter: November 2023 - Russian (opens new window)
- Guest newsletter: January 2024 - Ukrainian (opens new window) / Guest newsletter: January 2024 - Russian (opens new window)
- Guest newsletter: February 2024 - Ukrainian (opens new window) / Guest newsletter: February 2024 - Russian (opens new window)
Ukraine Sponsor newsletters
Key links for information on support for Ukraine
- Assets Publishing: Welcome guidance in Ukranian (український) (opens new window)
- Assets Publishing: Welcome guidance in Russian (Русский) (opens new window)
- GOV.UK: Guidance Homes for Ukraine: sponsor guidance (opens new window)
- Refugee Resettlement and Migration Service
- Homes for Ukraine scheme: frequently asked questions (www.gov.uk) (opens new window)
- Homes for Ukraine: sponsor guidance (www.gov.uk) (opens new window)
- Offer work to people who have come to the UK from Ukraine (www.gov.uk) (opens new window)
- Welcome: a guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK (www.gov.uk) (opens new window) - a guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK. It also includes specific information for those arriving on the Homes for Ukraine scheme
- Homes for Ukraine: factsheet for Ukrainians (www.gov.uk) (opens new window) - a factsheet explaining how Ukrainians can apply to the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme
- GOV.UK: Guidance - Support for family members of British nationals in Ukraine, and Ukrainian nationals in Ukraine and the UK (opens new window)
- GOV.UK: Guidance - Apply for a Ukraine Family Scheme visa (opens new window) - guidance for family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come to or stay in the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme.
Ukraine: sight loss support
A number of sight loss charities including Royal National Institute of Blind People and Guide Dogs have come together to offer free advice, support and assistance (including free equipment such as canes and other mobility items) to Ukrainian refugees in the UK. Support can be accessed by calling the sight loss advice helpline on 0303 123 9999 8am-8pm on weekdays and 9am-1pm on Saturdays. An interpretation service is also available for anyone who needs it.
Share this page
