Ukraine relief support available

We are all aware of the conflict in Ukraine and the devastating impact it is having. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine as well as other parts of the world affected by war and conflict.

Wakefield Council is working closely with other councils across the region, and Migration Yorkshire, to identify how we can help support Ukraine and those fleeing the conflict.

For more information about either of the schemes mentioned below, please contact customer services on 0345 8 506 506 (option 7) or email UkrainianSupport@wakefield.gov.uk

Homes for Ukraine

If you want to offer a home to people fleeing Ukraine, you can become a ‘sponsor’ as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Use the link below to record your interest in becoming a sponsor. You can do this as an individual or as an organisation.

If you already know someone

If you already know a Ukrainian national (or immediate family member) who you want to sponsor, you can help them apply for a visa under the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.

If they do not have a sponsor, they will be matched with people or organisations who have recorded their interest through this service.

Who can record their interest?

Anyone in the UK with a spare room or home can use this service, as long as:

You can offer accommodation for at least 6 months
If you’re not a British citizen, you have leave to remain in the UK for at least 6 months

As an individual sponsor, you will be asked to provide a home or a spare room rent-free for as long as you are able, with a minimum stay of six months. In return, you will receive £350 per month.

For more information, or to record interest visit, Homes for Ukraine webpage.

Ukraine Family Scheme

The Ukraine Family Scheme allows applicants to join family members or extend their stay in the UK.

It is free to apply.

You will be able to live, work and study in the UK and access public funds.

If you need any assistance, please call the 24/7 free helpline +44 808 164 8810 (0808 164 8810 if you’re in the UK).

If you cannot contact UK 0808 numbers, please use +44 (0)175 390 7510.

Eligibility

To apply to the Ukraine Family Scheme you must:

Be applying to join or accompany your UK-based family member; and
Be Ukrainian or the immediate family member of a Ukrainian national who is applying to the scheme; and
Have been residing in Ukraine on or immediately before 1 January 2022 (including those who have now left Ukraine)

You can apply if you’ve already arrived in the UK and meet the requirements above.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for the Ukraine Family Scheme if you are outside the UK.

Apply from inside the UK

You must apply online for the Ukraine Family Scheme if you are in the UK.

You will then book and attend an appointment at UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.

For more information visit - Apply for a Ukraine Family Scheme visa - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Donations

One of the best ways to help is by donating cash through trusted charities and aid organisations, rather than donating goods. Cash can be transferred quickly to areas where it is needed, and individuals and aid organisations can use it to buy what is most needed. Unsolicited donations of goods, although well-meant, can obstruct supply chains and delay more urgent life-saving assistance from getting through.

We'd like to say thank you to everyone who has already made a donation to help support the people of Ukraine - the district has already seen an overwhelming level of support and generosity.

Find out how to donate at Migration Yorkshire. Here you can also find more information on how to offer legal expertise, housing and sponsorship and other ways to show support.

The Disaster Emergency Committee website [DEC] have launched a Ukraine humanitarian appeal where people can donate to support Ukrainian families. DEC charities and their local partners are in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries providing food, water, shelter and medical assistance. The UK Government will match public donations to this appeal pound-for-pound starting with £20 million.

The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain [AUGB] are running a GoFundMe page to support displaced Ukrainian citizens. They accept monetary donations to fund food, hygiene and medical packs, and other everyday essentials with specifications set by UNICEF and the World Health Organisation [WHO]. There are many branches throughout the UK.