Supporting and sponsoring Ukrainian refugees in the UK
In March 2022, following the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the Diocese immediately responded by offering support to Ukrainian citizens fleeing the war. A scheme was set up to match potential hosts with Ukrainians to provide safe accommodation here in the UK until it is feasible for Ukrainians to return home. Following a generous grant from Herefordshire Council, Awards for All and Citizens UK, we are now able to offer even more support to those local communities who have responded so generously to this crisis. There is so much more that we could be doing, and the grant will allow us to carry on improving what we offer by way of support, information and resources.
Two Years On
It has been two years since the start of the war in Ukraine. We continue to pray for Ukraine, its people, and everyone affected by the war. Here in the Diocese of Hereford we support many people from Ukraine through projects including our Homes for Ukraine scheme which matches potential hosts with Ukrainians to provide safe accommodation here in the UK. Below is a video where we are looking at how St Peter's Church in the centre of Hereford is supporting the Ukrainian community, through Church for All and helping people to grow in faith.
We offer a message of prayer, support and solidarity with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters – and for all those across our diocesan community who are concerned for the country and for their relatives and friends.
A Message from Bishop Richard recorded on 24 February 2022
What can you do to help?
How can our parish support refugees?
The UK Government launched a website to register interest either as an individual or organisation found here for anyone wishing to offer their home or a house for people from Ukraine. We have already been able to offer accommodation to over 300 families fleeing the war in Ukraine, including 110 children, but more help is needed.
How can I support refugees if I am not part of the church?
Ways to help include:
- Consider hosting a family or person from Ukraine, or if you are unable to host yourself, please help us to identify potential accommodation or hosts.
- By providing a warm welcome and ongoing support, working with the hubs and local people to support the Ukrainians when they arrive here.
- By donating generously to local hubs enabling them to support Ukrainians with clothing, furniture, toys etc..
Many people across the Diocese of Hereford have already generously offered their homes to host people from Ukraine. Along with many other dioceses across the Church of England we have partnered with Citizens UK because they have a long track record of supporting communities who welcome refugees. Because the Government scheme requires potential hosts to know of someone in Ukraine who wants to come to them, we are able to support this matching process. Simply registering on the Government portal does not lead to a link to someone who wishes to take up your offer, and this is where we come in. By partnering with Citizens UK we are able to offer a more 'active' matching process. We are identifying hosts across the Diocese and working with Citizens UK to connect hosts with refugees seeking a sponsor.
Are hosts still needed?
Yes, sadly, we still need as many hosts as we did in February 2022. The war in Ukraine is ongoing and more Ukrainians are losing their homes though the bombing. They need to find a safe haven. Do you have a spare room, or even rooms that you could offer?
The Diocese has a support team and a group of local hubs who will be able to guide you through the whole process and beyond. You will not be on your own. This offer is open to all who wish to offer accommodation, whether they attend church or not. We have written a FAQ section about being a host. Please read it to see if it answers any questions you may have.
If you are interested in becoming a host or would simply like to talk to someone about it more, please email us and someone will get back to you.
Frequently asked questions about Hosting
What is the commitment and support?
The initial commitment is 6 months. The guests can leave before this if they wish. It might be that you all get on very well and chose to mutually extend the stay further. The council will also come and check the suitability of the property. You will also be required to have a DBS check.
The Support for Ukraine Team will be on hand to guide and support you throughout the entire process from the initial matching to when the guests move on.
How much space do I need to offer?
The guest must have access to their own bedroom. It is acceptable to share living areas, the kitchen and bathroom. If this is the case, some basic ground rules help.
How do we get to know them first?
When we feel a match has been found, we organise a Zoom call to allow both parties to talk to each other and ask questions. An interpreter will be present, along with one of our team members.
What if I think I would like the match to go ahead?
If after the Zoom meeting, and with a chance to think about it, both parties are happy with the match, the visa is applied for. This is normally completed by the guest, with information provided by the host. The team are here to advise and help with this.
How long does a visa take to come through?
The guests have to go a Visa Application Centre to provide biometrics for their Biometric Residency Permit (BRP) which allows them to stay in the UK for the 18 months, and also to allow them to leave the country and return within that time period. The visa can come through as quickly in a few days but it can also take several weeks. We help to track the applications if they take longer than 15 working days.
How long are the visas valid for?
Under the new rules, the visas are valid for 18 months. After this the guests will be allowed to apply for a further 18-month extension.
What support will I get?
The Support for Ukraine Team will be on hand to guide and support you throughout the entire process from the initial matching to when the guests move on.
As well as this, there is a large network of support from all areas of the community coordinated by hvoss.
https://www.hvoss.org.uk/herefordshire-community-network-for-ukraine/
What do I need to prepare for the guests’ arrival?
We have an information sheet that guide you through the application process and preparing for guests’ arrival.
What if there is a problem?
We are here to help by acting as mediators between hosts and guests, and by being able to offer a translation service. Often misunderstandings occur because something has been lost in translation.
How do I get matched with someone from Ukraine?
The Government do not match you with a Ukrainian family in need of support. However, we are able to help with the matching process.
We work closely with Citizens UK who have been awarded ‘Recognised Provider’ status by the UK Government to match refugees with host sponsors under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Once a possible match has been made, we can organise an introductory Zoom meeting with the guest, host, interpreter and a member of our team. This will allow both parties to ask each other questions and see whether the match would work. After the meeting, we are able to help with the visa application process if required.
Although Citizens UK use the connections and opportunities they have developed to help us identify Ukrainian refugees through a separate route, you are welcome to register directly with the Sanctuary Foundation. This charity can also match you with a group or individual refugee, but please do keep in touch for support once you have been matched.
Please read our FAQs for more information.
Who can I contact for help?
Please get in touch with us via email.
Email UsYou can also contact your local coordinator where you have one (email us to find out if you have a coordinator in your area). We are asking individuals and Churches not to go directly to Citizens UK as we are seeking to build a single approach across the Diocese, where we support one another and all refugees who come to us. It is also essential for the Citizens UK approach to work that we work together and they are focussing their efforts on developing the contacts and matches in Ukraine.
What resources are available for hosts and Ukrainian guests?
There are a number or organisations who have created useful resources to help you through any of the processes around hosting a Ukrainian.
The Church of England - has published a ‘toolkit’ of resources for parishes seeking to help refugees and evacuees from Ukraine.
There are also a number of excellent resources available for people who are either hosting or supporting a hub and its activities from the following organisations:
St Peter and St James – who are doing excellent work in Hereford City, working with hosts and Ukrainian guests.
Here is a selection of resources we have created. We will be reviewing and adding to them regularly.
Керування автомобілем у Великі Британії
Where can I donate?
The Diocese in Europe has launched an appeal with the USPG for humanitarian aid both in Ukraine and with Refugees across Europe. Funds raised by the appeal will support Christian charities and churches and agencies carrying out humanitarian work both in Ukraine and organisations responding to the arrival of Ukrainian refugees in neighbouring countries.
The ongoing crisis is expected to impact many of us in our day to day lives as we see food, fuel and other commodities rise in price as supply chains are impacted by sanctions and production disrupted by the war. Whilst many of us seek to respond in kind by offering to donate items of clothing and other essential items, the Diocese of Europe, charities, and Christian organisations are seeking to encourage the public to donate financially via official channels such as The British Red Cross, DEC Disaster Emergencies Committee and UNICEF.
