Supporting the people of Ukraine

How you can help

Tonbridge and Malling Council has pledged to support Ukrainian refugees and the local groups trying to help them. Kent County Council is leading on Homes for Ukraine. They have information for hosts on their website at:

Homes for Ukraine (KCC)

If you have registered as a host with the Homes for Ukraine scheme, you will be contacted to arrange a home check and schedule your DBS check.

Kent help for refugees

Kent Resilience Forum is leading the effort to prepare to welcome Ukrainian refugees. The forum includes the county, district and borough councils of Kent. For a full list of who sits on the forum see Kent Prepared Our Partners. 

Central government will support this work by providing funding to local authorities. This will be used to deliver the support needed like:

  • accommodation
  • safeguarding checks
  • translation services
  • health services
  • education

If you or your organisation needs advice, email Ukraine@kent.gov.uk.

To find out more about what Kent is doing to help see Support for Ukrainian nationals.

Homes for Ukraine

In March 2022, the government launched its Homes for Ukraine scheme. The scheme invites UK individuals, groups and businesses to help rehome Ukrainian refugees. 

To find out more see Frequently asked questions (GOV.UK). See also the guidance for Ukrainian nationals and their family members to apply under the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.

You can register as an individual or on behalf of your organisation. See Record your interest (GOV.UK).

If you need to speak to us about this scheme, call 01732 876152. 

See our guidance for Ukrainians arriving in the UK.

See our Homes for Ukraine privacy notice for hosts to see how we will handle any data we collect from you.

See also Homes for Ukraine visa sponsorship scheme privacy notice (GOV.UK) - available in English, Ukrainian and Russian

Support for Ukrainian nationals entering the UK with their pets

Earlier this year the government put in place new emergency support for those fleeing Ukraine with their pets, using an emergency licence.

On 11 October, the government updated the guidance on how those fleeing Ukraine can apply to bring their pet to the UK using the new online application service. Visit the links below for more information and to apply.

Immigration information for Ukrainians in the UK

The Home Office has published new immigration information about the next steps Ukrainians need to take after arriving in the UK.

This includes information about what Ukrainians need to do to confirm their immigration status, and how to demonstrate their status to access work, and the benefits and services they are entitled to.

Translated versions will be available in Ukrainian and Russian shortly.

See Immigration information for Ukrainians in the UK: your next steps

Guidance

Welcome guides are available from GOV.UK

Further advice and guidance from GOV.UK

HealthProm have produced a cultural sensitivity sheet:

Kent and Medway Safeguarding Adults Board have produced a guidance leaflet:

Barnado's have set up a free helpline to offer support to children and families arriving in the UK from Ukraine. Support in offered in English, Ukrainian and Russian.

National support

The conflict in Ukraine has created an urgent need for food, water, shelter, healthcare and protection.

If you would like to support the people of Ukraine, you can make a cash donation via the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) or give food and other supplies via local groups which are organising collections.

Visit Ukrainian humanitarian appeal to make a donation.

English with Ukrainians

A YouTube channel called "English With Ukrainians" has been made available: it's a free resource. Ukrainian translators have translated lessons and discussed linguistic and cultural differences. There are also activities that are suitable for host families to do with Ukrainian guests.

See English with Ukrainians (YouTube).