Positive response to Ukraine homes appeal

Organisers of a project to assist hosts signing up for the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme say they received “significant interest” after an information event in our diocese.

The team from St John of God Hospitaller Services (SJOG) and Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), who visited Middlesbrough in January, are now holding a series of webinars to answer further questions on the scheme.

The webinars include a wealth of useful information that will give a clear understanding of what hosting is and isn’t and how to build healthy boundaries and support guests’ independence.

SJOG, in partnership with CSAN, is asking people to provide much-needed help for Ukrainian guests.

Under the government’s Homes for Ukraine Scheme, hosts who commit to providing six months of accommodation are eligible to receive £350 per month to help with expenses associated with hosting.

The ‘thank you’ increases to £500 once the guest has been in the UK for 12 months, to help sponsors who can continue hosting for longer, up to a maximum duration of two years.

SJOG and CSAN offer a matching pathway, training and support for hosts and guests. The aim is to support 600 people on their journey towards independence and provide opportunities to build a new life and integrate into the community.

You can find out more and book a place on the sessions by visiting forms.office.com/r/ziRrhQCEwr.

For more information about the scheme, visit sjog-homesforukraine.uk, email homesforukraine@sjog.org.uk or see facebook.com/sjoghomesforukraine.