The UK Government announced 2 new schemes to help those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme
Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members can still apply to come to the UK under this scheme if they have an approved sponsor. Key points include.
Sponsors must be:
- British or Irish citizens, or
- Settled in the UK (with indefinite leave to remain or similar status).
- Sponsors must provide accommodation for at least 6 months.
- Parents or legal guardians can sponsor their children even if they are not British citizens, provided they have permission under a Ukraine scheme and can prove their relationship.
Apply for a visa under the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme - GOV.UK
All sponsors/hosts receive a £500 Thank You payment (per month) during the initial year their guests are within the UK. For hosts accommodating guests who have been within the UK longer that 12 months, hosts will receive a flat rate of £350 per month.
Becoming a sponsor: Homes for Ukraine - GOV.UK
Blaenau Gwent Council is working, alongside all other Welsh Local Authorities, to seek new expression of interest hosts. Do you have a spare room you could offer? We are committed to providing all new arrivals and their hosts with the appropriate level of support - to ensure all hosting arrangements remain as strong as possible. This support includes providing hosts with practical advice to assist you - as well as supporting your guests directly. All hosting arrangements are assigned a ‘link worker’. The local authority has been working with a third sector organisation called Displaced People in Action (DPIA) for a number of years, DPIA have wide-ranging experience in supporting refugees who have arrived at the UK.
Find out more about expressing your interest in becoming a host by contacting Lisa.Meredith@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk