Council reminds residents to go through official channels to offer help to Ukrainian refugees
Swindon Borough Council is reminding kind-hearted local residents they must follow official procedures before opening up their homes to Ukrainian refugees.
Published: Friday, 1st April 2022
The Council has received reports of people using Facebook groups to reach out and make contact with refugees who are fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.
But residents are advised that they must apply through the Government’s official ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme so that security and safeguarding checks can be completed.
On 18 March, the Government announced that DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks would be a fundamental part of the scheme. DBS checks are comprehensive criminal record checks that are an essential part of safeguarding practice in the UK.
The Council is tasked with deciding which type of DBS checks are needed depending on the sponsoring household’s circumstances, to help safeguard individuals and families coming from Ukraine. Sponsors will not be charged for these checks.
The Council will also work with host families to arrange an accommodation check to ensure that the housing is appropriate and safe for any Ukrainian guests.
As of yesterday (31 March) 42 Swindon households had been matched to Ukrainian refugees through the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.
The Council’s Warm Welcome team is currently preparing to support refugees arriving from Ukraine. Those successfully obtaining a Visa, which are valid for three years, will be allowed to work, claim Universal Credit, use NHS services and have children placed in school.
The team, which was set up to support the arrival of refugees from Afghanistan, works with partners across the statutory and voluntary sectors to help individuals and families access appropriate support.
Local people who wish to offer support can email the Council’s team at WarmWelcome@swindon.gov.uk who will be in touch as soon as they can.
A dedicated webpage has also been set up (www.swindon.gov.uk/ukraine) to provide the latest information on the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ programme and outlines the support that will be provided to Ukrainian refugees and their host families.
The webpage also contains a number of useful links to information which show how people can help those affected by the war in Ukraine.
The Council is working with key community organisations to make best use of the recent and overwhelming generosity of Swindon residents. Donations are now being focused on the needs of those settling in Swindon and in neighbouring authorities where mutual aid can be offered.