The Government is encouraging individuals, charities, community groups and businesses across the country to step forward and offer their support to thousands of people and their immediate family members who have fled the terrible events in Ukraine and need a route to safety.

They are urging anyone who is in a position to help, who fulfils the sponsorship requirements and with a spare room or empty home, to step up and join this national effort.

The Government’s Homes for Ukraine Scheme gives information on how to apply, plus updates. Register at Homes for Ukraine: record your interest – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) To be part of the scheme officially, you have to sign up officially.

You do not need to know a Ukrainian person. There is a different scheme (The Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme) for sponsors who have named contacts who need visas.

Every day, further details emerge on how this scheme will work in Rother, and the exact roles that will be played by East Sussex County Council, Rother District Council and the Bexhill and other hubs that have been created to support families and hosts.

Local groups or organisations who are looking to get involved should e-mail customer.services@rother.gov.uk on 01424 787000

This Government Factsheet covers all aspects of the visa support provided by the Home Office for Ukrainian refugees themselves.

We have been advised to alert residents to the risks in using social media or organisations/people you do not trust, to match with a family. Every effort is being made to ensure the refugees are safe and not at risk.

Local groups or organisations who are looking to get involved can email or phone:

Read the latest East Sussex Country Council Homes of Ukraine newsletter for hosts HERE

Hosts are being asked to provide details of everyone aged 16 or over in their household so that we can carry out DBS and other safety checks to identify any risks.

Where a risk is identified, an expert panel will decide appropriate action – which might include moving guests to another property or advising them of risk they could be exposed to.

Currently, only a small handful of guests have arrived in East Sussex. Most are travelling and/or waiting for visas.

Visas are entirely managed by the Home Office and we cannot give people any information about the progress of visa applications.

People are asked to contact the Government helpline on:

+44 808 164 8810
0808 164 8810 (in the UK)

Hosts are also being contacted by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service to arrange home visits to ensure properties are suitable for sharing.

In some cases, guests will already have arrived while these checks are being carried out.

Residents are asked not to contact local authorities or ESFRS with questions about when checks will take place. Some are already under way and everyone will be contacted as soon as theirs can be arranged.

Mental health support for refugees and asylum seekers | Refugee Council

Free Ukrainian, Polish, And Russian Translations Of Trauma And PTSD Psychoeducational Resources

Free online resources for Ukrainians settling in the UK | The Open University

School admissions guidance for parents, carers and sponsors for Ukraine nationals arriving on government schemes

How charities and civil society can support Ukraine | NCVO Blogs (and how UK charities will be affected)

Ukrainian Institute London | Russia’s war against Ukraine. What can you do to support Ukraine & Ukrainians?

Gov.uk | Make your donation safely, Social media – staying safe online

BBC News | How can I offer a UK home to Ukrainian refugees?

Find out more about Donations HERE