Concessionary Travel Support - Bus Passes 

The current bus passes that were issued to Nottinghamshire Ukrainian guests in January 2023 are due to expire on 30 July 2023. We are pleased to announce that the County Council will be extending this support for another 6 months, and issuing new bus passes that are valid until 31 January 2024.  

These passes have been sent out to all eligible guests who have arrived under Homes for Ukraine scheme and are still living in Nottinghamshire County. They will provide free travel on buses across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. The bus passes cannot be used for tram lines or in areas outside of Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire. Misuse of the card may result in a fine.  

If you believe that you are eligible for a free bus pass and have not received one by 30 July, please email HomesforUkraine@nottscc.gov.uk with the following information:   

• full names and dates of birth of all the guests in the group
• previous address
• new address
• date when you moved 

If you have any questions, please email HomesforUkraine@nottscc.gov.uk  

Driving in the UK

The Department for Transport has recently announced two important updates relevant to Ukrainian guests in the UK. 

• If you are a Ukrainian national living in Great Britain on one of the Ukrainian visa schemes, you can drive in GB without exchanging your Ukrainian driving licence for up to 3 years. This law came into effect on 7 July 2023. If you have already exchanged your Ukrainian driving licence for a GB licence, you can continue to use your GB licence under its current terms and conditions. 

More information here: Driving in Great Britain: Ukrainian driving licence exchange - GOV.UK

• If you have been issued a visa under one of the Ukrainian visa schemes, you do not need to tax or register your Ukrainian plated vehicle in the UK. This applies for the first 3 years you are in the UK. Your vehicle must remain registered in Ukraine to benefit from this exemption. You must make sure that you have insurance to drive your vehicle in the UK.

Drop-In Session in Retford 

Thursday 27 July at 11am to 3pm 

The Bassetlaw Support Centre in Retford is organising a drop-in session for Ukrainian guests and their hosts. Services represented at the meeting include: 

• Nottinghamshire County Council - covering any questions about the scheme, rematching, and other support available. 
• Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) – for issues related to Universal Credit and other benefits.
• Refugee Roots – a charity providing a wide range of activities supporting Ukrainians in Nottinghamshire.
• Bassetlaw Community Health and Wellbeing – for healthcare related issues and volunteering opportunities
• Experian - to help with 'credit scores' and other useful financial information.

Visitors are welcome to drop in any time between 11am and 3pm.  If you have any questions or require further information, please send a message to: admin@hfusupportcentre.com 

“Mavka: The Forest Song” on The Big Screen 

Highly acclaimed Ukrainian animated film "Mavka: The Forest Song" is finally coming out on the big screens of around 250 cinemas in the UK and Ireland from 28 July. 

With stunning visuals and a magical soundtrack, “Mavka: The Forest Song” is a heartwarming adventure that celebrates the power of love and harmony between humankind and the natural world. 

Proudly presented in both its original Ukrainian version (with English subtitles) and in English language across UK and Irish cinemas, “Mavka: The Forest Song” is a moving and inspiring story for the whole family to experience. 

Check out Odeon cinema Mansfield and Cineworld Nottingham for dates and times using the link below.

Summer Activities in Bassetlaw 

Bassetlaw Museum has announced their Summer Activity programme. All activities run from 10am to 12pm and then from 1pm to 3 pm. No booking is required but please be aware that there may be a wait for some activities if it is busy. Open to all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult and remain under their supervision. All activities are free, but donations are welcome. 

• Monday 24 July – Friday 28 July, Festival of Archaeology
• Monday 31 July – Friday 4 August, Butterflies, Bugs and Owls
• Monday 7 August – Thursday 10 August, Rocks, and Fossils
• Monday 14 August - Friday 18 August, STEAM crafts
• Monday 21 August - Friday 25 August, Knights, Castles, and Dragons
• Monday 28 August - Friday 1 September, Under the Sea

Kids Eat for Less 

A range of supermarkets and restaurants aim to take the pressure off family meals during the 6 weeks summer holidays 2023. Please see below a list of local offers. We recommend checking with each store, however, in advance of arrival:  

• ASDA – kids eat for £1 all day every day, no minimum adult spend required 
• BELLA ITALIA – kids eat for £1 with any adult main 4pm – 6pm Monday to Thursday
• BREWERS FAYRE – two kids under 16 eat for free with every adult breakfast purchased   
• HUNGRY HORSE – kids eat for £1 on Mondays and up to 2 kids get free breakfast with 1 adult breakfast
• IKEA - kids eat from 95p daily every day from 11am at IKEA restaurants.
• MORRISONS – children under 16 get a free kid's meal with any adult meal worth at least £4.99  
• TESCO – kids eat free with a purchase of 60p+ from Monday 24 July to Friday 1 September
• TRAVELODGE - up to 2 children aged 15 or under eat free, when an adult orders the full priced breakfast. 
• SAINSBURY’S - kids eat for £1 with a purchase of an adult meal, from 11:30 am everyday 
• SIZZLING PUBS – kids eat for £1 Monday to Friday between 3pm – 7pm when you buy an adult meal 
• YO! SUSHI - kids eat free all day from 17 July to 11 August when you pay for an adult meal, minimum spend £10.