Honiton: New website launched to help Ukrainian refugees

A website has been launched which provides the latest guidance and information to support local hosts and newly arrived refugees from Ukraine.

The website is run by Devon County Council with support from district councils, such as East Devon District Council.

Practical information is provided, such as how newly arrived Ukrainians can open a bank account and access welfare support.

Some of the text on the website is written in Ukrainian as well as English.

More than four million people have fled the Ukraine to escape the conflict, and the UK government are asking people in the UK to offer shelter to the refugees to come to the UK.

Nearly 40 East Devon homes applied to host a Ukrainian refugee.

Organisations across Devon registered their outrage when Russia invaded Ukraine. Team Devon, which includes Devon County Council, East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge and Torridge District Councils, West Devon Borough Council and Exeter City Council all denounced Russia's actions and pledged their support to Ukraine.

Devon's local authorities are supporting households who have volunteered to accommodate refugees.

Families in Devon who have relatives in Ukraine will receive particular support from the council.

DBS checks are currently being carried out on the sponsor families and the council are staying up to date with applications. Sponsor's households are also being accessed for suitability.

Chair of the Devon District's Forum Councillor Bob Deed said: "The fighting continues to have a devastating impact on civilians, and we have a moral duty to support families fleeing Ukraine to join their family members here in the UK.

"There has been a huge groundswell of goodwill with many Devon residents registering to help with more registering every day, and now we are focused with ensuring that the refugees can join their families as quickly and safely as possible.

"The safety and wellbeing of those we are welcoming is one of our main priorities we have already made good progress in that regard.

"As soon as we receive new information or guidance from Government, we will post it on the website."

The website is available here.