New hosts sought for Ukrainian families across Norfolk

Norfolk County Council are looking for new hosts to join the hundreds of other Norfolk residents who have opened their homes and provided accommodation for a family or individuals from Ukraine.

The Homes for Ukraine scheme was launched in March 2022 to provide support to Ukraine following the Russian invasion in February 2022. The war in Ukraine has now entered its second year, and the need for support and compassion for those displaced by the conflict has not changed. We are still in need of people to host Ukrainian families; especially for guests who have been in Norfolk for a while now and are needing to move for employment, education or other reasons.

Cllr Margaret Dewsbury, cabinet member for communities and partnerships, said: "I'm really proud of our county and how quickly our residents responded to the call for help. Over 800 households have so far welcomed a guest, but we still need more hosts to come forward. In particular, we are looking for people who can help house families, so if you've got space, please get in touch with the team to find out more."

A range of ongoing support is on offer for hosts, including a monthly thank you payment of £500. Hosts also get support with all safeguarding and accommodation checks from Norfolk County Council, alongside our district, borough, city councils and voluntary sector partners. Information packs are available to help hosts with the settling-in period and provide information on the practical steps that guests will need help with, like setting up a bank account and finding work.

Throughout the time guests live with hosts, we also conduct welfare visits to support everyone to help make the hosting arrangement successful and rewarding. Once guests are ready to move on, either into their own accommodation or to return to Ukraine, we have a range of practical support and services available to help this go smoothly.

Mary, who lives in Wretham, hosts a family from Ukraine. Alya who has 2 children came to the UK in April 2022. Mary supported Alya and her family to get their children into school and is hoping to host the family until the children have finished their schooling. The oldest child will then go onto college to study.

"The experience has been really rewarding," Mary said. "There is so much support on offer when you become a host, and I'd encourage anyone who is considering offering accommodation to get in touch with Norfolk County Council to see what's involved. The thank you payment is nice, but the whole process is worth far more to me than that. You get to help people in real need and see that you are making a difference to their lives - I'm so glad that I signed up!"

Maureen, who lives in Watton, responded to the call for hosts straight away, offering her spare room to Nadia, a 22-year-old from Ukraine, where she had an apartment and a good job. Her family are still in Ukraine, west of the capital. Using her background in vocational education, Maureen helped Nadia successfully apply for a job, and after being hosted for a number of months, Nadia now lives independently.

"The whole process has been so rewarding," Maureen said. "I'd encourage anyone to register their interest if they have space to become a host. You get a real feel-good factor that you're helping someone in need; it can be a mutually satisfying experience."

Do you have a spare room or rooms and can offer a safe place to stay to those fleeing the war in Ukraine? Join hundreds of other hosts across the county and register your interest now at www.norfolk.gov.uk/ukrainehost