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Dear Sponsors and Guests,
As we near the end of another year, I thought it was a good time to reflect on the work of our team this year.
We've had a busy year!
The Ukraine Support Team has been in post since July 2022. In the team's early days our main focus was on ensuring guests under the Homes for Ukraine scheme found their way to a safe, secure, and welcoming home, provided by their sponsors.Our remit expanded, and this year we've continued to build our understanding of the support guests may need. We've also been developing relationships with other departments and agencies to make this support available; most recently we have teamed up with Dunstable Food Bank. We can now issue vouchers on their behalf to our guests who might be in financial difficulty and in need of a food parcel.
Teams from within the Council have worked together to make sure a plan is in place for all guests wanting or having to move into private rented accommodation; we recognise that many may guests now want to become more independent as they continue to build their lives here in the UK.
We've also introduced regular 'coffee and chat' sessions with the team at Dunstable Children's Centre, so our guests and sponsors can go and speak to people if they need support.
Next year we're hoping to have guests with us, so attendees can find out more about the support that the Council can offer, as well as our partner agencies. The Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy (BESA) and CHUMS - a mental health and emotional wellbeing service for children, young people and their families - have both already attended.
We had a great time meeting you on Ukraine Flag Day...
We have also had some really enjoyable times this year; on 23 August, teams from the Council arranged a special event to celebrate Ukraine Flag Day!
It was such a lovely day seeing families come together to make vinoks and other crafts, children laughing and having fun on the bouncy castle and in the ball pit, and guests visiting the various information stands available.
Thank you for your support
We couldn’t provide the help we do without our sponsors and hosts. Many of you have gone out of your way to make your guests feel part of the family; to open up your home to strangers fleeing the worst of situations takes a special kind of person and I for one am full of admiration of you all.
I am sure there is so much more I could write but I just want to finish by thanking my brilliant team who work so hard to support guests and sponsors, and our colleagues inside and outside the Council who provide such valuable advice, guidance and support.
To our guests: I wish you peace, prosperity and hope for Christmas and for 2024. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Mel Goult, Ukraine Support Team Manager
P.S. Don't forget: if there are any articles or information you would like including in future issues please do not hesitate to contact us with your suggestions.
Please do remember that you can contact the Ukraine Support Team either by calling 0300 300 8855 or emailing homesforukraine@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
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News, updates and events
'Thank you' payment update for sponsors
The words 'thank you' written on a boardWe are pleased to confirm that the Government has announced the Homes for Ukraine sponsor ‘thank you’ payments are now payable for up to three years after a guest (or guests) have arrived in the UK for the first time.
In addition to this, we have taken the decision to continue to increase the standard rate of £500 to £600 a month as a reflection of our appreciation for the value we place on your help and support being offered to our guests. Thank you for your continued support.
2024 Dates: Ukraine Support Team coffee mornings
Come and join the Ukraine Support Team for a cuppa and a chat – and maybe even a biscuit. Whether you want support and advice or just to meet new people, come along and say hello. Everyone is welcome and there is no need to book.
Add these dates to your diary, as the next coffee mornings (from January 2024 to March 2024) are:
Biggleswade Youth Centre, 137 Mead End, Biggleswade SG18 8JU
- Tuesday 9 January – 10am until midday
- Tuesday 23 January – 10am until midday
- Tuesday 6 February – 10am until midday
- Tuesday 20 February – 10am until midday
- Tuesday 5 March – 10am until midday
- Tuesday 19 March – 10am until midday
Dunstable Downside Neighbourhood Centre, Oakwood Avenue, Dunstable LU5 4AS
- Thursday 4 January – 9:30am until 11:30am
- Thursday 18 January – 9:30am until 11:30am
- Thursday 1 February – 9:30am until 11:30am
- Thursday 15 February – 9:30am until 11:30am
- Thursday 29 February – 9:30am until 11:30am
- Thursday 14 March – 9:30am until 11:30am
- Thursday 28 March – 9:30am until 11:30am
If you would like some more information please call 0300 300 8855 or 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.
You can build confidence with important money skills, and develop confidence with numbers in the UK through activities like crafts.
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 £30 supermarket vouchers.
Find out more about Multiply courses.
Find out more about Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy (BESA) which offers English, maths and other qualifications, as well as careers support.
Other resources and support
Mental health support over the festive season
As we revel in the joy and warmth of the festive season, it's essential to recognise that for some, this time of year can bring its own set of challenges.
Whether it's feelings of loneliness, financial strain, or other personal struggles, it's crucial to remember that support is available. If you are finding it difficult to cope, support over the festive season is available from the following organisations:
The Samaritans
A confidential 24 hour service for people in emotional distress.
Telephone: 116 123
Visit the Samaritans website.
Email: jo@samaritans.orgKOOTH
Provides mental health support and advice for 11 to 19-year-olds, 365 days a year.
Childline
A free counselling service for children and young people.
Telephone: 0800 11 11 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
CALM
Offers support and advice for men up to the age of 25 who are feeling low or suicidal.
Telephone: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight, 365 days a year)
Visit the CALM website, where a web chat is also available.
Other support
The following support is also available, but opening times may vary over Christmas and New Year:
Barnardo's
Has a Ukrainian support helpline which is available to anyone fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.
Find out more on the Barnados website.
Bedfordshire Talking Therapies
Offers talking therapies and specialist support to people over 18. You will be able to make a self-referral via the website or by telephone.
Find out more about the Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service.
Telephone: 01234 880400 (8am to 8pm Monday, and from 8am to 5pm Tuesday to Friday)
Mind Crisis Support Cafes
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
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