South Gloucestershire Council is renewing its call for residents to offer accommodation to Ukrainians seeking shelter from the ongoing war.
360 local people have already opened their hearts and homes to around 576 Ukrainian guests, but as the conflict continues, we are preparing to welcome at least 70 further arrivals in the coming months.
While public profile of the war in Ukraine is not as pronounced as it was two years ago, the need to bring people to safety is just as necessary. We know from our work in the community that South Gloucestershire residents support us; that there are many people still interested in hosting and many more Ukrainians trying to reach us.
Support for hosting is provided by Government funding, with the role of the council being to identify and prepare hosts and connect guests with the support they will need to adapt to life in the UK.
Hosts receive a comprehensive package of support, including financial assistance, practical and emotional support.
Organised by the council’s Resettling Communities team, we will arrange monthly ‘thank you’ payments of £500 for every host. This was increased from £350 per month in April this year in recognition of ongoing cost of living pressures, but also to recognise the tremendous contribution which our hosts make in supporting refugees.
Hosts and their guest receive wrap-around support for six months from our dedicated support providers. This includes access to drop-in sessions, activities and events available through our community hub network. Hosts are also connected, if they wish to be, with other hosts, so they can support each other and share helpful, experience-based advice to each other. We also run regular events for hosts and guests to get together as a community.
Staff from the support providers commissioned by the council, as well as our own team, will also visit hosts regularly to provide help and advice if it’s needed.
We offer holistic, wrap-around support to all our Ukrainian guests, which includes advice covering access to medical services, benefits, language lessons, employment, and re-housing.
Working with hosts in South Gloucestershire, we have had tremendous success in supporting Ukrainians here. Almost all the school-aged children are in full time education. Over 80 per cent of the adults have been supported into employment or enrolled in further education; and we have already supported over 60 per cent with access to independent living in the community.
Of course, the benefits for Ukrainians seeking safety while their country is at war are obvious, but our hosts have also told us about how positive the experience has been for them.
Trevor and Eryl Daniels, hosts from Thornbury said: “Our intention in hosting Ukrainians was to help a mother and child, but we never thought how much they would help us by enriching our lives. We have gained so much from the experience and established a connection for life.”
Sue Lyndon, a host from Emersons Green, said: “I would encourage anyone who has considered having a Ukrainian guest live with them not just shelve it but keep thinking about it. To really think about the way, you live your life and what would fit in with your life. To think, actually we could do this, but what would work for our family and what would work for our guest?”
Steve Andrews, from Thornbury, said: “The war in Ukraine is still going on, despite the lack of news coverage in this country. Ordinary people just like you and me are still being displaced, or need respite from horrible, frightening, conditions within Ukraine. Being a host and providing a temporary home for people that have had to live through the stress of war is immensely rewarding, but please understand that these are people the same as you. Some will be like you. Some won’t. Try to be kind; it’s hard to be a long way from home and not have the chance to do your normal job or do your normal things. It’s not easy, but it is worthwhile.”
South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for the homes for Ukraine scheme, Cllr Alison Evans, said: “So many people in South Gloucestershire have already done so much to support those in fear and in danger in Ukraine. We are so grateful to them, as of course are those Ukrainians who have found shelter and a new home here.
“We are asking now, if there are others who can step forward to offer their help, as the war is still raging, the need for places to live is still just as important.
“If perhaps you have thought about it before, or your situation has changed so you might be able to help now, please get in touch to discuss it. You certainly haven’t missed the chance to help change someone’s life forever.”
If you have a spare room, a liveable annex or a whole house that would be a comfortable space for a single person, a mum and child, or a larger family, then you could be a host. Your guest or guests can share communal space like a kitchen or bathroom with you, or have a separate space. There is nothing for you to pay and no demands on you other than to show kindness and a little understanding.
For more information, residents are encouraged to visit the dedicated pages of the council website about Ukraine crisis help and support, plus information for sponsors and local information for guests as part of our Homes for Ukraine scheme: www.southglos.gov.uk/ukraine. Residents who feel they may be able to help are asked to email: homesforukraine@southglos.gov.uk.
