NEARLY 500 households in Warwickshire have opened their doors – and hearts – to people fleeing the war in Ukraine.
As of today (Monday July 4), 494 sponsors in the county have been matched with 1,248 Ukrainian refugees via the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme – with 659 of them having already arrived in the UK.
Warwickshire County Council (WCC), working alongside the county’s five district and borough councils and various services and organisations, has coordinated the Warwickshire-wide response, which includes access to healthcare, welfare support and schools.
WCC’s leader Coun Izzi Seccombe said: “Warwickshire has a proud history of welcoming and providing ongoing support to those fleeing from conflicts around the globe and will continue to do so.
“Warwickshire residents have stepped forward to offer their support in a myriad of ways, most importantly, their homes and their friendship. The whole county has come together to provide a safe place for these families to begin to heal and rebuild their lives.
“The energy and passion Warwickshire residents have shown is inspiring and admirable.”
WCC, in collaboration with Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action (WCAVA), has established a directory of new help and support available from local organisations.
WCAVA Area Manager Tracy Southam said: “It is fantastic to see the support emerging in Warwickshire communities through both Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations and community advocates, who in many cases are also hosting arrivals.
“WCAVA is pleased to be supporting WCC with the collation of support and resources to enable those arriving to feel supported in Warwickshire.”
The council is also holding online meetings with community support groups, including Town and Parish Councils, to bring groups together, share information and ideas, and discuss how WCC and WCAVA could support them.
Meetings take place on Monday July 4 at 7pm for North Warwickshire and Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough; Wednesday July 6 at 7pm for Rugby Borough, and Tuesday July 19 at 7pm for Warwick District.
WCC is also holding online information webinars for sponsors and guests, giving them the chance to ask questions relating to available support and provide feedback on the scheme. Staff from various departments including housing, education and the Family Information Service will join to answer any queries.
Webinars take place from 7-9pm on Monday July 18, Monday August 8, and Thursday August 11. Visit https://tinyurl.com/43822cww to book a place.
Organisations or groups who are offering support to guests from Ukraine or their host families can add their details to the WCAVA directory by visiting https://tinyurl.com/3a4e5uyc or emailing WCAVA at [email protected] . Visit https://tinyurl.com/bdfc5uss to see the directory.
Email [email protected] for information around funding opportunities which may be available to groups.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ukraine for WCC’s online information resource to help Ukrainian people access services in Warwickshire.
Visit https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ukraine to find out more about the Homes for Ukraine scheme and how to help the people of Ukraine.
