Ukraine
Plea to find Fenland families to host Ukrainians
A renewed plea to find more people in Fenland to house Ukrainians fleeing the war in their own country has been made by Fenland District Council.
It comes after a report to full council of issues some families are experiencing in Fenland in looking after Ukrainian guests.
Councillors were told of the problems in a portfolio holder update.
“Due to breakdown between hosts and guests, the team are also witnessing a number of rematches within the district,” said the report.
And these “often require an immediate response to prevent guests becoming homeless”.
Officers said they continue to support the Homes for Ukraine scheme in Fenland.
This includes inspection of hosts properties and delivery of sustenance payments.
Six months on from the launch of the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, more than 100 Ukrainian refugees have so far been temporarily rehomed in Fenland.
“But with the war continuing, and thousands of refugees including women, children and men exempt from military service seeking safe homes in the UK this winter, further hosts are needed to help meet demand,” said a council spokesperson.
“In addition, new hosts are being sought to help support Ukrainian guests whose original accommodation hasn’t worked out, or where their original hosts have had changes to their personal circumstances meaning they are unable to continue to offer the use of their home.”
Prospective hosts need to be able to offer accommodation for a minimum of six months, and those who are successfully matched to Ukrainian guests are offered a £500 per month ‘thank you’ payment.
The spokesperson said: “Fenland District Council and partners provide a wrap-around support package for Ukrainian guests.
“And we work with host families to carry out the necessary accommodation and disclosure checks, and to help them with access to financial support, education, healthcare, and social care services when they arrive.”
The Government’s Homes for Ukraine ‘Sponsor Guidance’ which can be found online, outlines important information and things to think about before signing up to the scheme.
Leader of Fenland District Council, Cllr Chris Boden, said: “The generosity shown so far by Fenland hosts, opening their homes to those fleeing the war in Ukraine, has been extremely heartening, and we offer them our sincere thanks for offering their guests such a warm welcome to our district.
“But, with the war showing no sign of ending, we urgently need more hosts to help those seeking safety from their homeland.
“We recognise that hosting someone in your home for six months is a huge commitment, so it is not to be undertaken lightly, but there is a lot of help and support at hand. We would urge anyone who may be able to offer temporary accommodation to get in touch.”
More information
If you are interested in becoming a host but would like to know more, or don’t know where to start, call our Fenland Homes for Ukraine support officer Tom Walczak for an informal chat on 01354 622302 or email: twalczak@fenland.gov.uk
