-
Dear Sponsors and Guests,
Hello everyone,
Welcome to January's Homes for Ukraine Newsletter, the first of 2023!
It’s hard to believe that the Ukraine Support Team has been in position for over six months now, helping, guiding and advising both sponsors and guests during this unprecedented situation. Myself and the team have had the pleasure of speaking to many of you during this time and are often overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of sponsors and the bravery and tenacity of our guests.
In the early days of the conflict, we quickly assembled several task forces whose main aims were to ensure guests arrived as quickly as possible to a safe and secure home and that they had funds to buy basic provisions to help them settle into the country.
As the months passed by and different issues came to light, departments worked together to ensure quick and comprehensive solutions. Children’s centres set up coffee mornings and organised outings for our younger guests, the Data Hub sourced bus and leisure passes, Communications produced a monthly newsletter, Employment and Skills arranged English lessons, the list goes on with too many departments to mention but all having made a huge impact on how we have supported both sponsors and guests.
In September we organised a Sponsor’s Webinar, chaired by our Chief Executive, Marcel Coiffait. This was a great success and really helped us engage with those who attended. It gave us the opportunity to explain what had been going on behind the scenes and our plans for the future. We would now really like to put something together for our guests, with our Ukrainian and Russian speaking officer, Iryna, being able translate. More information to follow.
No one knew last February where we would be today, and we all prayed for a quick resolution to the conflict. Sadly this hasn’t been the case and so we shall continue to support our guests in whatever we can. We are hearing that many guests would like more independence and one of the first steps in achieving this is through gainful employment. We understand there might be some obstacles in the way but we are here to help and signpost you in the right direction to get you onto to the employment ladder. See more information in the newsletter.
Wishing you all a happy and prosperous 2023.
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
Would you like to translate this newsletter?
Бажаєте перекласти цю розсилку?
Дотримуйтеся цих інструкцій, щоб перекласти сторінку.
Хотите перевести этот бюллетень?
Следуйте этим инструкциям, чтобы перевести страницу.
Why I became a Homes for Ukraine sponsor
By David, Homes for Ukraine sponsor
I felt that someone should help the people who found themselves in this horrible situation through no fault of their own, and with my children now having their own places, I had two spare rooms which were suitable.
It took four months to get permission for Nataliia, Oleg and Alina to travel and we communicated via WhatsApp whilst I reconfigured my house to best suit a family with a baby.
It was important to show as much of my home life, friends, family and local area as possible in order to put a vulnerable family at ease.
I collected them from the airport and found the Ukrainian desk very helpful at Luton. I think we were all relieved to have finally got them here safely, so it wasn’t awkward at all, our local community had helped with clothes and toys, a high chair and pram so it was a lovely experience getting them settled in.
I have a standout thread of memories, all revolving around their genuine joy and excitement seeing and experiencing new and different things here. Mead open farm, the land of lights, Halloween, bonfire night fireworks, the turning on of Christmas lights. Many simple things like feeding the hedgehogs at night and the birds during the day.
Adjusting to having a baby in the house again after so many years was a bit of a challenge. But baby gates and cupboard & window locks, little rubber covers on corners have all helped.
We used translation apps to start with but less now as Oleg’s English is pretty good and he helps his mother when she needs it.
Everyone has integrated in life here really well. Oleg loves attending school and Nataliia keeps herself busy looking after Alina and sewing. She has made an amazing soft book for Alina using a sewing machine a nice local lady gave her. They all love going out and exploring.
My advice to anyone currently sponsoring or thinking of hosting? Be patient and don’t sweat the small stuff. Your guests will be finding it more difficult than you, with the added worry of news from home.
It’s an uncertain future for them until the war ends. And then all they would like is a small house in the Ukrainian countryside – it’s not a lot to ask.On a personal level I would take away from this experience an enormous sense of wellbeing, it’s a real privilege to be able to help change a vulnerable family’s circumstances. Hopefully some lifelong friends too.
We are grateful for the support of all of our sponsors. If you know anyone who is interested in becoming a sponsor, please pass on the contact details for our Ukraine Support Team:
Call: 0300 300 8855
Email: homesforukraine@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Free courses to help with maths skills
We are delivering free maths courses to help people improve their confidence using maths in everyday work and life activities.Multiply is aimed at people aged 19-plus who live or work in Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough, and who don’t have a maths qualification (equivalent to GCSE grade C+).
The sessions are being delivered in person in Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough and virtually on Microsoft Teams. There are also generous incentives for learners to attend the courses, such as free food vouchers and goody bags with house and food essentials.
If one of the courses is of interest to you or to your guest, complete this short enquiry questionnaire. More information on courses and upcoming course dates is available on this flyer.
Don't forget that guests in Central Bedfordshire as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme can apply for bus passes to use on their most used bus route, which might make getting to work or training courses easier. We are working with Arriva, Grant Palmer and Stagecoach.
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.
Employment skills, training and finding job opportunities
Many of our guests are looking for opportunities to become more independent so they can support themselves, with a view to moving into private rented accommodation.
Ukrainians have the right to work as soon as they arrive in the UK but you need to be 18-years-old to work full-time. You will be able to use your Biometric Residence Permit as evidence of your immigration status in the UK, including your right to work. To prove your status digitally to an employer you can use the online right to work service.
Taking those first steps can be quite daunting, and you may not know where to start. But don’t worry, we have many tools that can help you.
We can support you with learning new skills and training, including English lessons, CV writing and interview skills. For more information please contact us on 0300 300 8110 or email us at ncs@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can fill out a form on our website and we’ll get back to you.
To look for a job, you can use the government's Find a Job website.
You can also find a job by registering with a recruitment agency or searching other job agency websites.
We have more information on our website, covering a variety of topics including how we can support with childcare costs and travel, and opportunities available for volunteering. Visit the links below to find out more:
- helping you into work
- education and training for Ukrainian guests
- help with childcare costs
- bus passes for Ukrainian guests
- volunteering
Community events
Free winter wellness events to help residents stay warm and well
We are hosting a series of winter wellness events over the coming months. The events are free to attend, and no booking is required.
The first event will be held on Monday 30 January at St Mary’s Church Hall in Dunstable between 10:30am and 3:30pm. There is free onsite parking available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the venue is wheelchair accessible.
The events, run by our Public Health team, are designed to help residents keep warm and well, with a range of support and advice services available. NHS nurses will attend to offer basic health checks, and there will be blood pressure monitors available so attendees can take their own blood pressure.
Several other organisations are attending including Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy, members of the Council’s Housing team, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Disability Resource Centre and Age UK.
Drop-in sessions at our children's centres
We're hosting drop-in sessions for sponsors and guests to give everyone an opportunity to socialise, find out about support and share information. Children are welcome and refreshments will be provided. They will take place at:Flitwick Children's Centre, Malham Close, MK45 1PU
Sessions started on Monday 14 November and then run every other week. Please call 0300 300 8111 for more information.
Biggleswade Youth Centre, 137 Mead End, SG18 8JU
These sessions started on Tuesday 27 September, and run every other week from 10am to 11:30am. Please call 0300 300 8114 for more information.
Shefford Children's Centre, School Lane, SG17 5XA
These sessions started on Friday 20 May, and run every other week from 1pm to 3pm. Please call 0300 300 8112 for more information.
Other resources and support
Mental health support
If you are finding it difficult to cope with everyday life, speak to your GP in the first instance. Further support is available from the following organisations:
- Barnardo's has a Ukrainian support helpline which is available to anyone fleeing the conflict in Ukraine
- The Samaritans is a confidential 24-hour service for people in emotional distress
Telephone: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org - Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service offers a range of free and confidential talking therapies and specialist support. You will be able to make a self-referral via the website or by telephone
Telephone: 01234 880400 (8am to 8pm Monday, and from 8am to 5pm Tuesday to Friday) - Mind Crisis Support Cafes are safe, non-judgemental spaces that anyone over 18 can visit in the evenings. Trained workers will listen and help identify ways to address problems in a safe, calm and relaxed atmosphere with no appointment necessary. Find out more about Mind's services in Central Bedfordshire
Telephone: 0300 330 0648
Email: hq@mind-blmk.org.uk - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) can support children and young people, as well as parents who are concerned about their child's mental health
- KOOTH provides mental health support and advice for 11 to 19-year-olds, 365 days a year
- Childline is a free, 24-hour counselling service for children and young people
Telephone: 0800 11 11 - CALM offers support and advice for young men (up to the age of 25) in Bedfordshire, who are feeling low or suicidal
Telephone: 0800 58 58 58
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