Beth Doherty
Wiltshire Council hosted a Ukraine webinar on Wednesday (28th September 2022) to provide the latest information on support available and hear from hosts and community figures.
The latest figures show 601 sponsors have been matched with 1,547 individuals under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Figures for Wiltshire indicate 1,103 Ukraine guests have arrived and are now in 450 households across the county.
All children arriving from Ukraine can access education and childcare. There have been 356 school applications, 214 primary and 142 secondary applications, with 344 school places offered and the rest pending.
So far, 162 Ukrainians have attended English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses. Ukraine guests wishing to join a course can apply or find out more by emailing familyandcommunitylearning@wiltshire.gov.uk
The webinar was held as many households come up to the minimum six-month period for providing a home for Ukraine guests and hosts were reminded to advise Wiltshire Council of their future plans.
Caseworkers are contacting all sponsorships to offer support and information regarding future options. Some sponsors will continue as a host for 12 months and beyond. For others, Wiltshire Council will look to support by rematching guests with new sponsors where possible. A dedicated worker, who will work with sponsors and Ukraine families around the options available in the private rented sector, is also being appointed.
Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, recognised the many community hubs that have been offering support across Wiltshire.
Cllr Clewer commented, “This online meeting was once again a good opportunity to hear from everyone and share latest news and updates. Wiltshire people have been extremely welcoming and as a local authority we are one of the highest in the country to have taken in Ukraine guests. We also have many of our community providing a valuable source of information and support across hubs throughout Wiltshire and I wanted to thank them for the valuable role they play.
“Many of our hosts are part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, which asked for a minimum of six months’ accommodation for Ukraine guests. We are asking hosts to let us know if they will continue to host, ideally giving two months’ notice, so we can work with them on reviewing all the options. People who couldn’t attend will have a chance to watch it again on the online link and we’re also publishing all the questions and answers. We’ll continue to share as much information as possible.”
The webinar is available to view here and questions asked during the evening will later be shared on the Wilshire Council Ukraine pages here.
People can read FAQs, download welcome packs for Ukraine guests and see community links, alongside other valuable information here.
If there are specific questions related to being a host or providing community support, people can email H4U@wiltshire.gov.uk
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Andy Munns
