Support for refugees arriving from Ukraine
The Warm Welcome Team was set up in 2021 to support refugees and people seeking asylum who arrived in Swindon from Afghanistan.
The team now supports people arriving from Ukraine and their sponsors. We provide information about the Homes for Ukraine programme, how it works in Swindon, and the support and opportunities available to people from Ukraine and their hosts.
Contact the Warm Welcome Team
Email WarmWelcome@swindon.gov.uk if:
- you are preparing to welcome someone into your home
- you are already hosting someone
- you have arrived in Swindon from Ukraine
- you need advice about local support
We work with public services and voluntary organisations to help people access local services.
Become a Homes for Ukraine sponsor
You can register your interest in becoming a Homes for Ukraine sponsor.
If you need help finding a person or family to sponsor, visit the Reset Homes for Ukraine website.
You can also:
- Read the Homes for Ukraine guidance on GOV.UK
- Get sponsorship information from the Sanctuary Foundation
Thank you payments for sponsors
We increase the government’s monthly thank you payment from £350 to £500 after you have hosted someone for six months.
This differs from the information on GOV.UK, which states that the payment increases after 12 months.
Council Tax and benefits
Hosting one or more people through the scheme will not affect any Council Tax discount you receive.
If you receive Council Tax Support or Housing Benefit, these should not be affected. However, you should tell the Warm Welcome Team about the change in your circumstances.
The team can explain how to notify the relevant organisations.
Checks on sponsors and accommodation
People applying to come to the UK from Ukraine undergo security checks as part of the visa application process. These include checks against the Police National Computer and counter-terrorism checks.
Sponsors and all adults in the sponsor’s household also undergo standard security checks as part of the visa process.
We will visit your home to:
- check that the accommodation is suitable
- make sure everything is ready for your guest
- complete Disclosure and Barring Service checks on adults in your household
A Disclosure and Barring Service check is a standard safety check. It is commonly required for people who work closely with children or adults at risk.
This includes teachers, doctors, social workers, and civil servants. You will receive a certificate that is valid for two years. We will process these checks as quickly as possible.
If you are sponsoring a family that includes a child or an adult at risk, we will complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. This will include a check of the barred lists.
Information for people from Ukraine
GOV.UK provides information about applying for the Homes for Ukraine scheme:
- Homes for Ukraine factsheet for people from Ukraine
- Apply for a Homes for Ukraine visa in English
- Apply for a Homes for Ukraine visa in Ukrainian
- Apply for a Homes for Ukraine visa in Russian
Welcome guide
The government’s welcome guide explains:
- what to do during your first few days in the UK
- how to find somewhere to live
- how to access public services and healthcare
- how to find work
- how to access childcare and education
- what support is available through the Homes for Ukraine scheme
Read the welcome guide for people arriving from Ukraine.
Community sponsorship
If your organisation is interested in community sponsorship, contact Charis.
Donate to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal
You can donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
The appeal brings together 15 UK aid charities. Donations support humanitarian assistance, including food, water, and medicine.
Support from local charities
Find out how local charities support people from Ukraine:
Volunteer
To volunteer, including providing translation support, email volunteer@swindon.gov.uk.