Support for refugees
Support for refugees - 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme
The government has launched its "Homes for Ukraine" scheme being led by The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Under the scheme people in the UK will be able to nominate an individual or family to stay with them rent-free, or in another property, for at least six months.
Charities, businesses and community groups will also be able to apply with households offered £350 a month as a ‘thank you’. Checks will be made on all hosts by the government and Ukrainian applicants will also undergo some security checks. Ukrainians welcomed into this scheme will be eligible to work, access state benefits and public services for three years.
To find out more about the scheme and register your interest visit: How to sponsor Ukrainian refugees and offer them a home in the UK
The Homes for Ukraine sponsor guidance outlines important information for sponsors including responsibilities of sponsors and how sponsors may support their guests.
There is also an FAQ from the government on the Homes for Ukraine scheme which covers many questions you may have.
How we use your data
Data privacy for Homes for Ukraine
Gloucestershire Homes for Ukraine sponsor guide
Guidance from the Gloucestershire Housing Partnership for those who have registered as sponsors in the Homes for Ukraine Scheme in Gloucestershire.
Find out more about the Gloucestershire Homes for Ukraine sponsor guide
Resources for Ukrainian nationals
Welcome: a guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK
The government has created a guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK. It also includes specific information for those arriving on the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Translated guidance for Ukrainians arriving in the UK
The government has also provoided Ukrainian and Russian translations to the welcome guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK.
- Ukrainians arriving in the UK guidance in Ukrainian
- Ukrainians arriving in the UK guidance in Russian
Ukrainian nationals seeking to rent private accommodation
Whilst Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucestershire County Council are both encouraging guests to remain within the Homes for Ukraine scheme and encouraging hosts to continue the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship arrangements, if you are considering renting private accommodation, it is highly recommended that you familiarise yourself with the government guidance regarding your rights and responsibilities as tenants in the private rented sector.
To help you with any potential move into the private rented sector, the Government has published a guide to help you better understand how to rent in England. This will assist you in moving on from the Homes for Ukraine scheme into independent accommodation. For ease of use, this guide has been translated into Ukrainian and Russian.
Financial support for those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine
People arriving in the UK from Ukraine because of the Russian invasion can apply for financial help immediately and get extra help to find work.
Find out more about the financial support available
Gloucestershire refugee support organisations
Cheltenham – A Town of Sanctuary
Cheltenham adopted the title of Town of Sanctuary in 2019. This means that we have been recognised as a town that offers a place of safety to people fleeing violence. We work in a partnership, which includes Gloucestershire County Council and the six district councils, to support international resettlement across the county. Through this partnership, we are working together to see how Gloucestershire can respond to support the individuals fleeing violence from Ukraine as further details become available from central government about the UK response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis.
Cheltenham Borough Homes customer information
Wherever possible we support Cheltenham Borough Homes (CBH) customers who wish to offer an unoccupied spare bedroom to those fleeing Ukraine at this time. There are a few things to consider, so please visit the dedicated CBH customer page for more information.