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What It Means To Provide A Safe Place To Live

Bromsgrove District Council has launched a campaign in a bid to find more hosts to give a home to families fleeing Ukraine.

What it Means To Me showcases stories from guests and hosts who have been brought together under the Homes for Ukraine scheme in Bromsgrove.

It also features experiences from Worcestershire Regulatory Services Officers who run the scheme across the District, some of whom have been guests and settled in the town.

The Council’s Portfolio-holder for Communities Cllr Shirley Webb said: “Guests and hosts are brought together and I have witnessed first hand how they celebrate and learn from each others cultures.

“And this transcends into our communities where events are held and everyone comes together to try different foods and hear from each other, what the Homes for Ukraine scheme means to them.”

Postcards with information for residents who want to become a host are being circulated in public places, across the District and the Council is launching a social media campaign too.

Host Judith Grubb said: “Homes for Ukraine have been really supportive.

“They make a point of contacting us and checking in on a regular basis and the support officers are really proactive, we can discuss things and they check we're all okay.

“The application process was not a difficult procedure and went smoothly. It involved some checks but it was all very easy, the application was all very simple."

Her guest Olya Troian, who has an eight-year-old son Kirills, said: “When we came to the UK everything was a bit confusing but there was always support available: the council, hosts, other Ukrainians.

“Communication is the most important thing - don't be afraid to ask about anything you're worried about and keep in touch with the support staff."

The District Council, along with local authorities across the county signed up to a support the Government’s Homes For Ukraine scheme as part of a One Worcestershire Approach.

Council Leader Karen May said: “Thanks to our hosts we are currently providing 17 homes, including for children, in Bromsgrove to keep them safe.

“But since the scheme was launched in 2022 we have seen the need for hosts increase and with the war in Ukraine looking set to continue, we will definitely need more offers.

“Please consider if you can make a difference and our team can give you more information to help you to decide.”

The Homes for Ukraine scheme allows Ukrainians and their immediate relatives, with no family ties to the UK to be sponsored by individuals  who can offer them a home such as a spare room or unoccupied residential self-contained unit for a minimum of 6 months. 

Currently host families receive a thank-you payment of £350 a month.

To find out more about the scheme visit gov.uk and for an informal char email Hayley.Varney@worcsregservices.gov.uk

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