REDDITCH Borough and Bromsgrove District Councils have launched a campaign to find more hosts to give homes 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 across the two towns.
It also features experiences from Worcestershire Regulatory Services officers who run the scheme, some of whom have been guests and settled in Bromsgrove and Redditch.
Postcards with information for residents who want to become host are being circulated in public places and the two councils are launching a social media campaign too.
Host Judith Grubb said: “Homes for Ukraine has been really supportive.
“It makes 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 OK.
“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 – from the council, hosts and 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 borough and district councils, along with local authorities across the county, signed up to support the Government’s Homes For Ukraine scheme as part of a One Worcestershire Approach.
The council’s portfolio-holder for housing, Coun Bill Hartnett, said: “I have seen for myself the positive impact our Ukraine guests have in our communities, some of whom do settle here, finding accommodation and employment.
“But more importantly, hosts provide a safe haven for these families who are fleeing a war-torn country, who may have watched their own homes being destroyed.
“By showing what it means to hosts and guests, we hope to get more people to come forward and offer a room to house a family in need.”
Bromsgrove District Council leader, Coun 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.”
Currently host families receive a thank you payment of £350-a-month.
Email Hayley Varney at [email protected] for more information and an informal chat.
