Ukrainian families who are seeking refuge in the UK under the government's national Homes for Ukraine scheme have begun to arrive in Rutland this week.

 The Homes for Ukraine Scheme allows people, charities, community groups and businesses to offer up accommodation for individuals and families who have been forced to escape the war. 

 So far, 22 sponsors have come forward from Rutland and will provide accommodation for Ukrainian adults, children and young people. Sponsors are asked to provide accommodation for as long as possible, as well as helping guests to adapt to life in the UK and directing them to public services, for example registering with a GP or dentist.

Rutland County Council is providing coordinated support for both sponsors and their Ukrainian guests. This includes property inspections, safety checks and administering payments, as well as support to access benefits, employment and education.

 Councillor Samantha Harvey, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Care at Rutland County Council, said: "Ukrainians arriving in the UK have experienced unimaginable trauma. It will be some time before they can even begin to come to terms with everything that's happened, and they may still have family or friends back at home. Our job as a Council and a community is to help them settle in here for as long as needed. The number of sponsors who have come forward locally has been really encouraging and we know that people stand ready to provide a warm welcome."

Rutland County Council has specialist officers working to help local sponsors and their Ukrainian guests ahead of arrival. The Homes for Ukraine scheme expects that sponsors will find their own match with a Ukrainian national or family. Sponsors are also responsible for registering their initial interest online, helping Ukrainian guests to complete the visa process and coordinating their arrival. 

Anyone wanting to know more about the Homes for Ukraine scheme can go online or email:[email protected].

Find out about the donation of 84,000 helmets to Ukraine by the Army here.

The Royal Anglian Regiment packing helmets for Ukraine (image courtesy of the Crown)

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