Driving in the UK as a Ukrainian citizen involves several steps and considerations. Here are the key points:

Driving Licence: You can use your Ukrainian driving licence for up to 36 months from the date of entering the UK. After this period, you need to obtain a UK driving licence by passing the UK theory and practical driving tests. You must have a full driving licence to drive in the UK. See Driving Licences

Driving Rules: In the UK, you must drive on the left-hand side of the road. Familiarise yourself with UK traffic laws, including speed limits, which are typically 30 mph in urban areas, 60 mph on single carriageways, and 70 mph on motorways and dual carriageways. Roads outside of schools are normally only 20 mph. 

Seat Belts and Mobile Phones: Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers. Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal unless you have a hands-free system.

Road Signs and Markings: Road signs and markings may be different from those in Ukraine. Pay special attention to roundabouts, which are common in the UK.

Insurance: Ensure your vehicle is insured to at least the minimum legal requirement, which is third-party insurance.

Vehicle Requirements: If you bring your own vehicle, it must meet UK standards, including having a valid MOT certificate if it is over three years old.

Parking: Be aware of parking restrictions and regulations. There are designated parking zones, and violations can result in fines.

International Driving Permit (IDP): While not required, obtaining an International Driving Permit can be helpful when translating your driving qualifications and easing interactions with authorities.

Nothing on this article above should be taken as professional / legal / road safety advice. Consult with suitable professional experts and the authorities where appropriate.

Refugee Alliance offer online sessions to help understand driving in the UK that cover road signs, vehicle safety, parking rules, motorway driving and much more.

See  - Driving theory support

Staffordshire libraries also offer free access to online theory test practise software. It contains all the official test questions licensed from the DVSA, the people who sets the tests. See  Staffordshire Libraries | Theory Test Pro

Space 2024 is getting ready to blast off – with all finishing touches being finalised ahead of the launch of the summer programme. The Space summer programme brings together public, voluntary and private sector organisations to provide enjoyable positive activities for young people that increase their skills, improve their health and wellbeing and create opportunities for 8 to 17 year olds.

Space 2024 will begin on 29th July and end on 30th August and will offer a variety of free activities including swimming and gym passes, multi sports and park events, trips out and arts and crafts. Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Ben Adams said: ‘Space clearly makes a difference, providing memorable experiences for many while diverting some away from potential involvement in anti-social behaviour.

The activities provide an opportunity for Staffordshire Police and partners to engage with young people who may be going through a difficult time to help nurture, support and develop them. Details of activities including how to book will be available on the Space website in July. Please keep checking to see what activities are being added for your area and sign up for the Space newsletter to receive notifications. Don’t delay and book a place.

Measles is an infection that spreads very easily and can cause serious problems in some people. Having the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent it. Measles infection is caused by a virus, and spreads between people very easily. Once symptoms start, people can become unwell quickly. You can get measles at any age, but it is often young children who catch it.

See Measles factsheet - GOV.UK and  Measles - NHS   for more information about how measles spreads, symptoms of measles and how it is treated.

Craig Howard, Managing Director of ANTA Community Training states:

 "We launched our Ukraine support project, funded by Staffordshire County Council’s Homes for Ukraine Resettlement Grant back in January 2024 and one of the first people I met was Oleksandr, referred to us by our colleagues at Jobs 22 in Stafford. Oleksandr held a high-level career in the construction sector back in the Ukraine. Moving a young family to the UK under circumstances that none of us would wish for has been understandably challenging. I am really proud that I have been given the opportunity to meet Oleksandr and we will continue to help him in any way that we can"

Oleksandr states:

"When you are in a new professional environment, whether you want it or not, there are always questions that are very difficult to figure out without external help, and these answers are not always the ultimate truth. Therefore, it is very important that you have a person whose experience and knowledge will help you get through this maze of questions. I am glad that on my way I met ANTA Education and Craig Howard, who took an active part in the process of my professional adaptation. As a Ukrainian, due to certain circumstances, I was recently forced to move to the UK and I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to use my skills and knowledge in the field of construction and property management in a new place country.  I know that I can turn to ANTA Education for any questions in the field of training, passing exams, organising meetings with employers, as well as consult on any issue. Thanks to ANTA Education, I successfully completed the preparation process and the official Construction Skills Certification. As a result, in a fairly short time, I received a CSCS Green Card and a CSCS White Card, which will help me in further obtaining a competitive job”.

It's very important for people like Oleksandr to feel supported and know that they can ask for help at any time.  Thanks to the support of this programme ANTA have been able to support Oleksandr and other's to complete CSCS training to acquire the green labourers card. They’re really proud to say that Oleksandr has been able to achieve not only the green card, but their first white CSCS card learner too. This is a great achievement.

If you are interested in working with ANTA to obtain your CSCS Green card please email ukraine@staffordshire.gov.uk