Dear hosts, volunteer coordinators and parish council colleagues,
If this is the first time you are receiving this ‘Support for Ukraine community update’ from us as a host, please note that we send these out on a regular basis. They are issued whenever new and relevant information becomes available to hosts in South Cambridgeshire as well as to District Councillors, community coordinators and parish council colleagues. The idea is to share the latest updates that we have to support for the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
All information previously shared can be found on our Support for Ukraine webpage – where you will also find our ‘Ukrainian Guest information hub’ which we encourage you to share with your guests. The online information hub is our equivalent of a ‘Welcome pack’ for guests (we are sharing information digitally so that we are able to keep our information regularly updated, and guests should be able to switch to view in their own language if they wish).
Please note that in addition to these emails, all hosts will receive information from us relating to DBS checks, accommodation checks, £350 monthly host and £350 one-off guest payments; hosts should already have received information from us about this through our welcome email.
For any questions not covered in this e-newsletter or on our Support for Ukraine webpages, please email duty.communities@scambs.gov.uk
Homes for Ukraine Moving Forward project
We are now in the process of contacting hosts and guests regarding the next phase of the Homes for Ukraine Moving Forward project. Please ensure you have completed any online forms that have been sent to you so that we are able to build a better picture of which hosts are willing to continue hosting their guests past the initial 6 month mark. Whilst the government has appealed for hosts to keep their guests for 12 months, we appreciate that, for some, this may not be possible. The responses to our online forms will enable us to identify guests who will retain their hosted environments and those who need to be rematched to a new host, which is the preferred method of finding guests new accommodation.
REMINDER: Leavers Form
We are coming up to the time when some guests may be moving on from their first ‘home’ in our area to new accommodation. Current hosts will know that we asked them to fill in an online form when their guests arrived and now, when they are leaving, we are also asking hosts to complete an online form to report that their guests have vacated their property. This will enable us to continue to monitor data on the Homes for Ukraine scheme and ensure that continuing welcome payments are properly administered. Please keep us up-to-date by completing the form on this link.
Support Groups
We would encourage you and your guests to make contact with your local Ukraine Support Group. HAY South Cambs have published details of local groups who can provide your guests with local information, cultural advice, support with the English language as well as an opportunity to meet and socialise with others. If you know of any groups in your village, please could you encourage them to complete this online form.
Ukraine Small Grants reminder
Up to £300 per project is being offered by the Council for a wide range of events which aim to help reduce social isolation and encourage families to feel more involved in the local community and life in Britain. Projects could range from buying books for English language classes or ingredients to fund a cookery day, to venue hire or travel costs to take Ukrainian guests on outings in the local area.
Parish councils, community groups, informal groups or individual hosts are invited to apply. Applications will be assessed weekly to ensure a quick turnaround. Criteria, guidance and an application form can be found on our website. Or for more information, email ukraine.grants@scambs.gov.uk
Social and cultural adaptation events for Ukrainian guests
St Andrew’s Street Baptist Church in Cambridge is running some social and cultural events during September to help Ukrainian guests adapt to life in the UK.
On 9 September 1-2pm, there is an opportunity to find out more about housing provision with representatives from Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire Councils; followed on 13 September 11am-1pm with Career Guidance with the WEA (Workers Educational Association) and on 23 September 1-2pm there is a chance for guests to find out more about driving and cycling in the UK. The events are free to attend – simply turn up on the day.
Online forum for hosts with traumatised Ukrainian guests – September 28
A reminder that the second online forum from The Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice (AFT) will run on September 28. The virtual meetings are for hosts to share ideas on how to help guests who are facing psychological trauma.
Hosted by Family and Systemic Psychotherapists, it will offer a monthly space for hosts to reflect on the challenges of having guests who are displaced from home, country and family, experiencing a sense of dislocation from their own culture and tradition, with the exact content of the session being decided by those attending. This could include self-care, preparing for your guests to arrive, challenges and opportunities of hosting, accessing resources in your community, thinking about the impact of trauma and help with anonymised specific challenges.
Sessions are free but hosts will need to register for tickets for here
Wild Minds – outdoor activities for younger Ukrainian guests
There are still places available for young people from Ukraine on the Wild Minds course which will start at Wandlebury Country Park on 21 September.
This special Ukrainian-only course is for young people aged from 12 up to 17 who may be struggling with issues of depression or worry, particularly related to their experiences since the outbreak of the war. It is designed to help improve mental health in young people through free outdoor activities and is supported by a Clinical Psychologist. Each session is an hour and a half long and is taking place on a weekly basis. For more information and to complete the form to express an interest in joining the course, see here.
Many thanks for reading this latest bulletin, which I hope will be helpful for you and your guests. We are grateful for your continued support for the Homes for Ukraine programme.
Bill
Bill Handley
Lead Cabinet Member for Communities
South Cambridgeshire District Council