The visa application process is painfully slow but Ukrainian refugees are gradually starting to arrive in our area. The intention is to settle families in clusters to reduce the risk of isolation.
The Newbury Group have compiled these information sheets for hosts:
Ukrainian Hosting Pamphlet – everything you need to consider when making the decision to host
Ukrainian Guests Welcome Pack – how to prepare your home for guests
Funding to support Ukrainian families in West Berkshire
If you would like to make a financial contribution Greenham Trust has set up an appeal on The Good Exchange to provide local funding to support Ukrainian families arriving in West Berkshire. You can donate here and your donation will be matched.
Newbury Ukraine Support Group
Newbury Ukraine Support Group works to support hosts and their Ukrainian refugee guests in the Newbury area. Please join their facebook group here.
There are many ways that volunteers can be involved from driving and babysitting to fundraising and organising social events for guests and hosts. Volunteers can sign up here.
Chieveley & Surrounding Villages Ukraine Support Group
Please contact the organiser on 07768 757183 to be added to their WhatsApp group.
Hungerford Ukraine Support Group
If you live in Hungerford and would like to host or support refugees please contact Rachel Barker on rachel@rbarker.co.uk or see more details about this group here.
West Berkshire Ukraine Support Hub
West Berks Ukraine Support Hub is open 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday and 8:30am to 4:30pm on Fridays. Contact 01635 503579 or ukraine@westberks.gov.uk.
See the report here on the first meeting of local groups offering support to families hosting refugees.
More information is available here: westberks.gov.uk/homesforukraine
School Places
Hosts are able to contact schools directly about places for their guests’ children. Alternatively you can go through West Berkshre Council but this seems to take longer.
Wantage Support for Ukrainian Refugees
In order to support hosts and welcome guests into the community, Wantage Town Council have created a “Register of Ukrainian Hosting in Wantage Area”. Information captured will be maintained in strict accordance with the Council Privacy Policy.
The purpose is to provide information for the hosts and guests about the various agencies within the Wantage Area, such as GPs, Dentists, Schools, Church communities, Vale Community Impact and many others.
If you would like to host please register with Wantage Town Council here. For more information please contact ukraine@wantagetowncouncil.gov.uk
Wantage & Surrounding Area Ukrainian Refugee Support facebook group
Wiltshire Support for Ukrainian Refugees
Please see recent details from Wiltshire Council here about the welcome they will be offering to refugees.
Marlborough Area Support Group
Please join their facebook group here.
