Homes for Ukraine scheme
The Government has opened the visa application process for its ‘Homes for Ukraine’ refugee support scheme, which allows residents, charities, community groups and businesses to request to sponsor and offer accommodation to a named Ukrainian individual or family seeking safe refuge in the UK.
If you know a refugee individual or family you wish to sponsor, and are able to provide suitable accommodation for at least six months, then please visit the Government website for more information about ‘Homes for Ukraine’ and to apply.
Concerned about British nationals who need assistance in Ukraine?
Consular support is still available to British nationals through the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office helpline (open 24 hours, 7 days a week) on:
+380 44 490 3660 (from Ukraine)
+44 (0) 1908 516666 (from the UK)
Find UK Government advice about the situation in Ukraine
Concerned about non-British family members in Ukraine?
The British Government has announced that British nationals and people of any nationality settled in the UK will be supported to bring family members to the UK. This includes immediate family members (under Family Migration visas) as well as parents, grandparents, adult children and siblings (under the Ukraine Family Scheme).
To check your eligibility and begin the application call the helpline (open 24 hours, 7 days a week) on:
From Ukraine: +44 808 164 8810 – select option 1
From the UK: 0808 164 8810 if you’re in the UK – select option 1
Find further information on UK Government guidance support to Ukrainian nationals and their families
Concerned as a Ukrainian national in the UK?
The Home Office has agreed some temporary concessions to support Ukrainian nationals currently in the UK who are now unable to return when their existing visa expires.
If you are in the UK and need assistance, contact UKVI on:
0808 164 8810 – select option 2
Monday to Thursday (excluding bank holidays), 9am to 4:45pmFriday (excluding bank holidays), 9am to 4:30pm
Find further information on UK Government guidance support to Ukrainian nationals and their families
Need legal advice?
The Ukraine Advice Project UK offers free legal advice on UK immigration, visas and asylum by qualified legal advisors for Ukrainians affected by the crisis.
Send details of your circumstances and the advice you need to: ukraine@freemovement.org.uk
Find further information from Ukraine Advice Project UK
Ukraine support RBWM webpage and phoneline launched
A dedicated webpage is now available on the RBWM website. It has information on how people can help those affected by the war in Ukraine, such as links to the latest advice and support for residents applying to offer suitable accommodation for Ukrainians arriving in the UK.For those who don’t have online access, a local Ukraine support line to give guidance and signposting over the phone for residents offering accommodation and the Ukrainians coming to the Royal Borough is also available. Please call 0203 514 8117.
- Residents can call for advice from 9am to 5pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 10am to 5pm Wednesday.
- Ukrainians can call for advice 10am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm Saturday and 11am to 2pm Sunday.
Website set up to help Ukrainians settle in Maidenhead
A website linking groups who are helping Ukrainian refugees settle in Maidenhead has been created to provide a ‘go-to’ area for hosts and guests.
Open Arms has been set up with the help of Maidenhead Synagogue rabbi Jonathan Romain following a meeting last week involving groups and individuals doing work to help the relief effort.
It offers practical information, advice and support for those seeking refuge in and around Windsor and Maidenhead from the conflict in Ukraine, and for their hosts.
Story books for Ukrainian children
Would you like to gift a Ukrainian refugee child a story book to help us welcome them in to the UK?
Two million children have fled Ukraine already. Thousands of children are arriving in the UK having left their loved ones, education and homes behind with many arriving into Berkshire. These children now need to start a new life. You can help a Ukrainian child refugee turn the first page of their new chapter by helping us gift a book to build their familiarity with the English language.
ABC to read are delivering workshops to volunteers who are going to be welcoming families and their Ukrainian children, the workshop will help with their vocabulary and reading skills. The first workshop will be held on 10 May at Windsor Baptist Church. There is a “wish list” of books to gift to the families and you can help by purchasing a book – it will be sent on to ABC to read directly in time for the first workshop on 10 May.
Support The Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal
DEC charities and their local partners in Ukraine and across the border in the neighbouring countries, are working to meet the immediate needs of all people fleeing with food, water, medical assistance, protection and trauma care.
How your support will help
- £30 could provide essential hygiene supplies for three people for one month
- £50 could provide blankets for four families to keep them warm
- £100 could provide emergency food for two families for one month
Homes for Ukraine scheme – FAQs
Homes for Ukraine scheme – register your interest
Cultural Sensitivity Sheets in English, Ukrainian and Russian
- Ukrainian Refugees Cultural Sensitivity Sheet – Base Guidelines (English)
- Ukrainian Refugees Cultural Sensitivity Sheet – Base Guidelines (Ukrainian)
- Ukrainian Refugees Cultural Sensitivity Sheet – Base Guidelines (Russian)
Slough Refugee Support supporting any Ukrainian refugees who come to live in the East Berkshire area