Help and advice to welcome people arriving in Hull and East Riding from war-torn Ukraine is now available via a dedicated telephone helpline and web pages.
Set up by Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire councils, the helpline 01482 300 305 will ensure people arriving in our area through the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, have easy access to advice and support from advisers who speak Ukrainian, Russian and English, from 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Dedicated case workers from both councils will aim to ensure refugees have immediate help with living essentials, along with access to health, education, employment and training services. Practical help will be available to help people set up bank accounts, claim benefits or access charitable grants, where applicable. Advisors will also provide information on local voluntary sector organisations and places of worship, which are offering invaluable help and support.
Ukrainian citizens in the Hull area can arrange face-to-face appointments via the Hull City Council website if necessary: Support for people from Ukraine | Hull City Council
Cllr Daren Hale, Leader of Hull City Council said: “Hull City Council is committed to doing everything it can to respond to the unprecedented and heart-breaking situation in Ukraine.
“On behalf of the council I would like to thank the people of Hull, the city’s businesses, its communities and voluntary organisations for their tremendous generosity in response to the Hull4Ukraine appeal. I know this fullness of spirit will continue as we prepare to give a warm welcome and support to those refugees who are coming into the city under the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.”
Cllr Jonathan Owen, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: “The situation in Ukraine is on the mind of everyone across the East Riding and it has been fantastic to see such a generous and heart-warming response so far by residents, businesses and organisations alike.
“The refugees from Ukraine have already undertaken an incredible journey to make it to our shores and we as a council will ensure those refugees receive whatever support and advice they require to make their stay in our area is as comfortable as possible during such a difficult time.
“We would like to thank all the residents in the East Riding who have supported the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme and would encourage more people to get involved should they be in a position to do so.”
Residents, charities and businesses wanting to find out more about how they can help via the Homes for Ukraine scheme can find out more by visiting www.gov.uk/government/news/homes-for-ukraine-scheme-launches
Preparations to welcome Ukrainian refugees:
In addition to establishing a dedicated helpline and web pages, Hull City Council has established a multi-agency Steering Group for all involved in supporting Ukrainian nationals arriving in Hull via the Government scheme. The council is awaiting more detailed guidance from the Government on the scheme, which includes a range of responsibilities for local authorities including:
- Property checks to determine suitability of accommodation offered by hosts
- Host DBS checks
- Administering of £200 Welcome payments to refugees
- Interpreting services
- Advice on long term housing options
- Ongoing placement support for hosts and refugees
- Integration support, working with other agencies to ensure access to services – benefits, health, education, training, employment etc
- Support for schools
- Co-ordination and engagement with voluntary and community sector, who provide invaluable help and support
- On-going liaison with Migration Yorkshire to ensure co-ordination across the region, sharing of best practice and development of ‘Welcome’ offer
Hull4Ukraine Appeal:
Hull City Council is supporting the Hull4Ukraine Appeal and collective, whose volunteers are collecting and organising the distribution of items to support Ukrainian refugees arriving in countries in Europe. Council support includes:
- £15k sponsorship including supporting shipments of donations to Poland
- Provision of larger collection and storage facility, including security, parking and Health & Safety advice
- Engagement with local businesses to encourage support for the appeal
- Advice and support for volunteer programme
- Co-ordination and engagement across voluntary sector organisations and representatives
- Communications support.
To find out more visit: Support for people from Ukraine | Hull City Council