 Almost 1,000 Ukrainians have now been matched with hosts (sponsors) in East Sussex under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
So far, only about 41 of these refugees in the scheme have arrived in the county, though the number will rise as visas are granted by the Home Office.
The number of hosts is just over 400, reflecting the fact that many households are matched with family groups.
| |
Guests |
Hosts |
| Eastbourne |
111 |
50 |
| Hastings |
79 |
39 |
| Lewes |
178 |
81 |
| Rother |
171 |
65 |
| Wealden |
425 |
167 |
| Total |
964 |
402 |
In very urgent situations, we've been able to immediately pay the £200 to which every Ukrainian who arrives with a visa is entitled.
However we only have the capacity to do this when it's urgent and we're setting up a system to make these payments on a more manageable basis. It is likely this won't be in place before May.
Until then, if it's possible for guests to manage without immediate payment, it frees us to do other vital work. We're grateful for the support we know some hosts and communities are already giving to cover some immediate needs. This may be especially valuable over the Easter weekend.
But if there's an urgent need to get the payment to refugees, we'll respond as quickly as we can. In an urgent situation, please email ukraine@eastsussex.gov.uk or telephone our helpline on 01323 724748 which is open from 10am to 4pm on working days.
When our full payment systems are set up, they will also manage the optional £350 a month which hosts (sponsors) can request. We'll keep you updated.
 We have published two welcome guides - one for hosts and one for guests.
Both are intended to offer some useful information and links to help them settle into the community.
Either can be translated into Ukrainian (or Russian) by using the translation tool at the top of the pages.
We will keep these guides updated.
If they haven't already done it, we ask hosts who have been matched with guests to complete our form with a few details about their household.
We need basic information on everyone aged 16 or over in the property so that we can begin the background checks to ensure the safety of everyone taking part in Homes for Ukraine.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service will also arrange a visit to their home.
On this form, they can also tell us if their guests have arrived, or when they expect them.
Once hosts have given us their details, they don't need to do anything more or be concerned if checks are not yet complete, even if their guests have already arrived. We'll contact hosts directly as soon as possible.
Both safeguarding and property checks have begun and we are prioritising them by potential risk (e.g. where there are children among the guests) and by arrival dates.
We are working with local schools to identify where places can quickly be opened for Ukrainian children to resume their education. We don't have major concerns about finding sufficient places, though it may not always be possible to meet preferences.
Parents or guardians can apply for school places online at:
Apply for a place during the school year.
They can get more help and advice from their local school by emailing Admissions.
List of schools in East Sussex at Find local schools.
There is more information on our website and on the Government's site about Homes for Ukraine.
Only the Home Office can answer enquiries about visas. UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The Government has clarified that the Homes for Ukraine scheme is only open to adults and their families, and unaccompanied children (under 18) are not eligible.
For other questions, you can contact us by email or our telephone helpline:
Email: ukraine@eastsussex.gov.uk Telephone: 01323 724748 (10am to 4pm, except weekends and Bank Holidays)
We'd ask you not to share these contacts with the general public so that we can focus on answering questions from matched hosts and from elected representatives.
The Government's Homes for Ukraine page also answers many questions about the scheme.
The community effort to settle and support refugees in East Sussex is tremendous. There's much work to do, but we thank everyone involved. Wishing everyone, where possible, a peaceful Easter weekend.
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