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Ukraine

During this difficult time in Ukraine as war rages on and innocent people are suffering we have been asked about how people in Swindon can help the people of Ukraine.

The main questions being asked are “how can we help?”  “What can we/our organisation actually do?”

 

Updated ( 27th April 2022) 

Hosting Ukrainians – we have been getting quite a few requests regarding individuals kindly offering to host people from Ukraine in their spare rooms. We no longer manage a hosting scheme but below is some organisations you could sign up with (thank you to Faye and Ian Howard our previous hosts for some of the following information):

For the Government information page on the ‘Home For Ukraine Scheme’ click here

For advice from Swindon Borough Council on hosting people fleeing Ukraine click here

 

Could you offer temporary shelter to someone forced to flee their country who does not have the means to support themselves? If so, you could be a host with Room for Refugees.
Following the escalation in Afghanistan and Ukraine Refugees at Home have seen an increase in host applications. Please only apply to host if you live in a city/large town.
You can access our previous Hosting Guide from 2019 here with guidance on what its like to host and navigating language barriers and cultural differences etc – (Please note there will be some outdated information and some that is no longer relevant because we don’t run our hosting scheme any longer)
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This informative online training by Sanctuary Foundation goes through in detail what you ned to consider as a host for Ukrainians.

Medical Support if new to the UK – For what your entitled too please check out this article by Health Watch Swindon
If you can’t host another way to help – 
The UK government has announced it is developing a new humanitarian sponsorship programme that will allow an unlimited number of Ukrainian families to come to the UK.
They are asking individuals, community groups, churches, schools and businesses to register their interest in becoming a sponsor when the scheme is developed. Declaring your interest will greatly assist the development and acceleration of this vital provision for Ukrainian refugees.

 

 

Such kindness has already been shown by our community but here are some of our suggestions below:

 

  • Donate funds to a trusted organisation already established and working on the ground in Ukraine (click the link below to City of Sanctuary UK for suggestions)

 

  • Add your voice to let the Government know that the Anti-Refugee Bill being pushed through parliament is not in your name. This bill will see Ukrainian refugees punished for seeking safety in the UK based on how they arrive rather than on their need for safety. So please do contact your MPs.

 

  • Sign the petition which urges the Government to help Ukrainians – Sign Here

 

  • Get your news from a reputable source (suggestions are on the link below)

 

  • Show solidarity to all refugees – if you would like to actively participate in making Swindon a more welcoming place for all people who are seeking sanctuary then we may have a volunteer role for you – to find out more click here

For more ways on what you can do please do check out our partners at City of Sanctuary UK whose suggestions can be seen HERE

 

* We have not recommended the donation of items as these can cause more problems on the  border than help. Although always with the best of intentions to help, items may not have been sorted through before delivery. Once arrived a big team is needed to organise and distribute at the other end as well. We see this issue here in the UK as well as hear about it from abroad. Giving funds means those on the ground in Ukraine can provide what’s needed as and when requested, it also gives the people in need of items the agency to choose for their individual and families needs.