What is the Homes for Ukraine Scheme?
The Homes for Ukraine scheme was launched by the UK government on 14 March 2022. This scheme allows people living in the UK to sponsor a named individual or family in Ukraine to come and live with them, providing they have suitable accommodation to offer.
As of 28th July 2022, the Homes for Ukraine scheme was expanded, to allow applications from those who are under 18 and not travelling with (or joining) their parent or legal guardian.
About the Council’s Role
Under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, local councils have been given certain responsibilities, including:
- carrying out checks on sponsors and sponsors' homes
- making arrangements for one off interim payments to those arriving in the UK under the scheme
- making arrangements for the 'thank you' payment to sponsors
- helping our guests to settle into life in Staffordshire
To register your interest in becoming a sponsor, go to: Homes for Ukraine: record your interest - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
See Staffordshire Connects | Support for sponsors for further advice and guidance.
Homes for Ukraine Small Grant Scheme
Community groups who wish to help Ukrainian guests can now apply for a special grant.
The fund, which is from Staffordshire County Council and managed by The Community Foundation for Staffordshire, will see grants of up to £10,000 awarded to community and voluntary groups who are helping resettled families.
Groups will need to be helping Ukrainian guests, who are currently staying in Staffordshire. This support can include anything from promoting physical, emotional health and wellbeing, access to English as a Second Language (ESOL) opportunities, through to helping guests gain employment.
Those who can apply include:
- Registered Charities
- Constituted community or voluntary groups
- Social Enterprises
- Any other voluntary, not for profit organisation
- Parish Councils are eligible to apply to develop and deliver new or additional activities, services and events
The grant scheme is open now, with funding needing to be spent by the successful recipients by December 31st 2024.
For full criteria, please visit the Community Foundation for Staffordshire website at www.staffordshire.foundation/grants/newcommunities.
Any questions about the scheme should be directed to office@staffordshire.foundation
Arrivals under the Ukrainian Family Scheme
If you obtained your visa to come to the UK under the Family Scheme, see the link below for more information:
Apply for a Ukraine Family Scheme visa - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Please be aware that if you are hosting someone through the Ukraine Family scheme, you will not receive monetary "thank you" payments or formal support.
Please note: Visa applications
Visa applications are processed by the UK Visas and Immigration service (UKVI), to whom any visa queries should be directed. You can contact them on 0808 164 8810.
For further information, advice, and guidance, please see the Homes for Ukraine pages on Staffordshire Connects:
Homes for Ukraine | Staffordshire Connects
For specific support and guidance for Ukrainian guests, go to:
Staffordshire Connects | Support for guests