Hosting and Supporting Ukrainian refugees in Cynon Valley

 In order for a person from Ukraine to come to the UK under this scheme they have to be able to name the person who will provide a home for them. Similarly, for a UK resident to be able to offer a home (either an entire dwelling, or space within their own home) then they would need to be able to name the people from Ukraine to whom they are making the offer. 

Individuals who want to offer accommodation will need to have a named Ukrainian in order to proceed with the Government Homes for Ukraine process.  That is a challenge, so the Anglican churches in Cynon Valley are working together as a Welcome group to link people who would like to host with a group who can support that action over the next 6 months helping with logistics of getting the refugees to the UK, integrating into the local community, understanding their new area.  

A few people will be able to offer accommodation but lots of us can offer others skills, time or help with raising funds.  We have lots of experience working with Citizens Cymru Wales who have helped communities welcome refugees from Syria and Afghanistan.  

In the past the Government and local authorities have been much more strict about the details of welcoming refugees but for the context of Ukraine, the process is much more speedy and scaled up, yet  we want to make sure it is safe and sustainable.  This means that we are on new territory and some of the process are still being discussed and developed.

The host is called the sponsor and they are the named person in UK.  There is a short application form and a DBS safeguarding check for sponsors.  Security checks are also carried out on the refugees, who have the choice as to whether to accept the match invitation.

Individuals can register with Homes for Ukraine and proceed independently but we think they may hit obstacles if they aren't connected to anyone in Ukraine.  

We have 5 sponsors connected to this group: 2 are linked with Sunflower Sisters and 3 are linked with 

 Citizens Cymru Wales (that we already work with in community organising)

The UK Government is allowing refugees to come for 6 months and for this to be extended to a 3 years visa.  We will have no idea how long people will need or want to stay in the UK but our plan is to go for the 6 month period only at this stage.  During that period of time the Welcome Cynon Valley will be working with UK agencies and government to understand the future needs of the Ukrainians.

What to do if you want to host?Please contact us so we can give you some information on the Citizen UK scheme or other schemes, after which you will need to register with Homes for Ukraine.   

Sponsors will receive £350 a month from the Government and Ukrainians will be offered benefits, ability to look for employment and access to education and health care.  However, there may be delays in all those and the refugees need to set up a UK bank account.

There is a real need for a support group to enable all those welcome details to go smoothly and to be available for people who will have come through the trauma of war.

If you think you can be a host, or you want to join the support group, or would to like to chat with someone further, please get in touch with us.

Our next planning meeting is Friday  MJune 17th 05:30 PM 

 Join Zoom Meeting 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88090178723?pwd=NlFINmNpWWtGdEZVOGxRM05aSGxKQT09  

Meeting ID: 880 9017 8723 

Passcode: 717780

We have several individuals and families from Ukraine being sponsored in the Cynon Valley and also In our diocese we have over 100 sponsors now registering interest and in the process of VISA applications.

We are using the funding already raised and volunteering to support different Ukrainians in different ways.

In order for people to host families and individuals we will need a large group to each contribute and here are some examples:

• support us in admin keeping track of emails or setting up online meetings.
• fundraising for us to pay for the travel of Ukrainians to us
• support with getting registered at doctors etc.
• helping with English, as needed
• helping with children and play, schools, making friends
• offering support into local employment
• having time for encouraging the Ukrainians to link with others who've been settled.
• sharing any IT devices that might be need to help families keep in contact.

Depending on what happens during the initial 6 months, Welcome Cynon Valley will continue in its role to support the refugee welcome and integration into our communities.