With more displaced families due to arrive in the area, and some initial sponsorships coming to an end, B&NES is anxious to find local people willing to provide accommodation for these victims of war.
An event for residents who may be able to help is being held in Bath.
The drop-in event, which will take place between 10.30am-2.30pm on Thursday 23 February, will be offering advice and support for Ukrainian refugees and their sponsors, as well as prospective sponsors.
So far, residents in Bath and North East Somerset have welcomed more than 350 Ukrainian guests under the government’s Homes For Ukraine sponsorship scheme – and there will be more arrivals in the coming week.
Several Ukrainian families who are already here in B&NES are nearing the end of their initial sponsorship and need to find a new hosts, as their existing hosts cannot continue.
Families have settled in well – many have jobs, have been learning English, and some have children attending local schools. Now new sponsors are needed who can help them maintain some stability.
Hosts are paid a ‘thank you’ payment for hosting, which is between £350 and £500 per month depending upon the length of hosting.
Landlords who may be willing to rent their properties to Ukrainian families are also required.
Councillor Dine Romero, cabinet member for Children, Young People and Communities, said: “As we approach the first anniversary of the war in Ukraine it is hard to comprehend what Ukrainian families have faced and continue to face. So many people across Bath and North East Somerset have helped and this event is a reminder that support is still needed. If you think you could become a host, please get in touch with us or if you can come along to the event.”
Taking place at Bath’s Guildhall, the event will offer employment and financial support, as well as helping to re-matching families. There will also be information on maintaining a tenancy and furnishing a home.
The council is organising the event in partnership with Developing Health and Independence; Bath Welcomes Refugees; and the Department for Work & Pensions.
Refreshments will also be available at the event.
You can find out more on the council’s Homes4Ukraine page, or you can also email: H4U@bathnes.gov.uk
People are also being reminded about a fundraising ‘Concert of Warmth and Light for Ukraine at Bath Abbey. It is on 24th February at 7pm. To find out more go to the Friends of Oleksandriya which is organising the event.
