We understand that the people of Bath are keen to get involved and help support those fleeing the war in Ukraine. As the Ukrainian refugees start arriving in our local community, BWR will be on hand to help support local sponsors with advice and guidance, and support the refugees they are housing with English lessons, employability and benefits advice and guidance on access to other services. We can also help to source furniture, household goods and clothing, if needed, and put on social events too to help with community integration.
Families are now starting to come through via the Ukraine Family Scheme and we are very interested in hearing from anyone in the Bath area who is able to offer the use, in particular, of self-contained accommodation for housing families, please contact [email protected]
We welcome the Homes for Ukraine scheme announced on 14th March, and the Ukraine Family Scheme previously announced and want to see as many refugees housed as soon as possible.
BWR is working closely with BANES council on how we can achieve this but we are currently advising those interested in sponsorship to head to the government’s Homes for Ukraine website: https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk. Before committing, it is important to think through what this will mean for you and your family and some FAQs can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/…/homes-for-ukraine-scheme.... The scheme went live on Friday 18th March, and is currently open to named sponsors who are matched with named refugees.
There are a number of charities that are helping with the matching process and we would encourage you to contact these organisations as this will provide the safest way to connect with those in need:
- https://www.ukrainetakeshelter.com/
- https://www.sanctuaryfoundation.org.uk/
- https://www.refugeesathome.org/
- https://www.roomforrefugees.com/
- https://www.homesforukraine.org.uk/
- https://www.worldjewishrelief.org/homes-for-refugees
BWR is exploring ways of matching people on a more local basis, the situation is evolving rapidly and we will update on this when we have more information.