Ukraine crisis help and support

Homes for Ukraine scheme

We are committed to working with the Homes for Ukraine scheme to help people affected by the conflict in Ukraine.

Our partner organisation Julian House is supporting our Ukrainian guests in South Gloucestershire.

The government has guidance for sponsors and guests on how the Homes for Ukraine scheme works. 

If you are Ukrainian and you have family in the UK

The Ukraine Family Scheme allows family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come to or stay in the UK.

Apply for a visa under the Ukraine Family Scheme

The government has guidance on what you need to do before you travel to UK and what to do after you arrive.

If you are Ukrainian and you do not have family in the UK

The Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme allows Ukrainian nationals and their family members to come to the UK if they have a named sponsor under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

There is guidance on GOV.UK on applying for a visa under the Ukraine Sponsorship scheme.

The government has guidance on what you need to do before you travel to UK and what to do after you arrive.

If you are Ukrainian and you are already in the UK

If you hold a visa to stay in the UK you may be able to apply to remain. If eligible you can extend your visa or switch to another immigration route. 

There is guidance on visa support for Ukrainian nationals in the UK on GOV.UK.

If you are Ukrainian and have lived in UK for 4 to 6 months

The government has guidance on your living arrangements 4 to 6 months after moving to the UK that explains your options and has links to more support.

If you are Ukrainian and you have just arrived in the UK

The government has published a welcome guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK. This covers what you need to know in your first few days and getting used to life in the UK, including how to find a home.

If you are interested in sponsoring a Ukrainian individual or family to come to the UK

If you want to offer a home to people fleeing Ukraine, you can record your interest in becoming a sponsor. This service is for potential sponsors who have not yet been matched with a Ukrainian guest.

You do not need to record your interest as a sponsor if you have a family member fleeing Ukraine. They should apply for the Ukraine Family Scheme visa instead.

There is also a charitable scheme run by Reset Communities and Refugees that links sponsors with Ukrainian refugees.  Check the advice on their Homes for Ukraine page and register your interest. 

There is further information on our page for Homes for Ukraine: advice for sponsors.

Donations

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has launched a Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

To make a donation towards the UN’s humanitarian work in Ukraine visit Ukrainian Humanitarian Fund UN Crisis Relief.

There are many other charities collecting financial donations and supplies such as food and clothing. The Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator has urged the public to give safely to registered charities helping and supporting those affected.

Advice on talking to young children

If you have a child in school who is affected by the crisis, talk to your child’s teachers about any concerns you have and the support you would like the school to provide.

Other things that can help:

• You can search on Newsround from the BBC’s CBBC channel for videos and reports that have been produced specifically for children about the war in Ukraine
• Newsround also has a section for children offering advice if they are upset by the news
• Place2Be’s educational psychologists have also shared advice about how to discuss war and conflict with children and young people and how you can best support them at this difficult and worrying time
• Mind You is South Gloucestershire’s mental health and emotional wellbeing hub for young people