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Dear Sponsors and Guests,
Hello everyone,
Welcome to November’s Homes for Ukraine Newsletter!
The Ukraine Support Team and Data Hub have been working hard this month contacting residents of Central Bedfordshire who have expressed an interest in becoming a sponsor.
Our aim is to have a pool of potential sponsors that we can call on to rematch guests who need a new place to live. If you have any friends, relatives, neighbours or work colleagues who might be interested in becoming a sponsor, please do ask them to contact us so we can talk them through the process. They can also find out more on the government’s website.
If a guest needs to move out of their current address, our first choice would always be to rematch them with another host. This keeps them on the Homes for Ukraine scheme and allows them to make the most of the benefits this brings like bus passes, leisure passes and discretionary payments.
Of course, we understand that guests may want to live independently, and we fully support their choice! Some guests have successfully found private rental accommodation; we can offer support, guidance and help check affordability, as the last thing we want is for guests to find themselves struggling to pay rent and bills. There are some resources that can help guests, and we have included a section further into the newsletter on this.
Guests may be able to apply for social housing. To find out if they qualify please visit our website. It is really important that guests understand that social housing spaces are limited and the process can be lengthy.
Please do remember that you can contact the Ukraine Support Team either by calling 0300 300 8855 or emailing homesforukraine@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
Mel Goult, Ukraine Support Team Manager
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News and updates
Bus passes are now available for Ukrainian guests
We are working with bus operators in the local area to provide guests in Central Bedfordshire as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme with bus passes to use on their most used bus route.
We are working with the following operators:
- Arriva
- Grant Palmer
- Stagecoach
Guests can apply for a bus pass on our website. Before applying, please check the bus route that you will be travelling on and make a note of the bus operator for that route. Make sure it is one of the bus operators listed above.
Different bus operators issue passes in different ways – find out more on our website.
Free music sessions for children
Our 0 to 12s Family Service is offering to free group sessions for children, and is lending families free music equipment if children would like to try a new instrument.
There is currently a waiting list for the sessions. To reserve a place, email: inspiring.music@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
Housing resources for guests looking to rent privately
If a guest would like to move into privately rented accommodation, there are several resources available that can help them through the process and help them work out what they can afford.
You can get housing advice on our website, including advice on your housing options, renting privately and deposits.
The government has a ‘how to rent’ guide, for people who are looking for a house or flat to rent. Read the guide on GOV.UK.
To work out what you can afford, there are a number of resources available. The DirectGov website has information about Local Housing Allowance rates, which are used to calculate housing benefit for tenants renting from private landlords. Turn2Us has a free benefits calculator which can help people find out if they are entitled to claim any benefits. And finally, MoneyHelper can provide free, impartial financial advice on a number of topics.
Community events
St Nicholas Day celebration!
Children and parents are invited to a St Nicholas Day celebration on 10 December, organised by The Rotary Clubs of Central Bedfordshire.
It takes place at The Cross Keys in Pulloxhill, from 2:30pm until 4:30pm. You can expect 2 hours filled with fun, live music, entertainment, gifts for children and a visit from St. Nicholas himself. There will also be a buffet for children.
RSVP by emailing cbukrainehelp@gmail.com with the names of attendees, and the age and gender of any children under 14.
Other resources and support
Free Open University short course about Ukrainian language and culture
The Open University has launched a new short course about Ukrainian language and culture.
Whether hosting Ukrainian refugees or supporting in the community; for professionals providing support services; or those who simply wish to learn more about Ukrainian language, culture and people, it has been designed and written with community in mind, with practical resources and information to support in a variety of situations and context.
Find out more about the course on the Open University's website.
Online resources for Ukrainians settling in the UK
The Open University is also offering a suite of free online resources for Ukrainians settling in the UK and Ireland, from language and careers-based courses, to articles on mental health and wellbeing.
Don't forget about our website!
Don’t forget about our website! We have created a whole section which covers the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, initial support for guests, how to access financial support including Universal Credit, as well as information about education, training, how to set up a bank account, health and wellbeing. Most of our website can be translated into Ukrainian.
To find out more and see what information we have available, visit: www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/ukraine-sponsors.
Contacting the Ukraine Support Team
Telephone: 0300 300 8855
Email: homesforukraine@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk