‘Homes for Ukraine’ Sponsorship Scheme
Highland Council has a strong track record in supporting refugees and has already welcomed Syrian and Afghan families.
The Highland Council debated the Ukrainian crisis last week (Thursday 10 March) and gave its unequivocal support to the people of Ukraine. The discussion also covered humanitarian support; support for refugees and support for staff, young people and the wider public and in particular for those with families and friends involved in the crisis.
Members agreed that the Council will engage to help develop the Government Sponsorship scheme being proposed, which will build on current programmes and structures already in place to support refugees and migrants.
On 14 March, the UK Government launched the ‘Homes for Ukrainians’ website https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk/ where people can record their interest in providing a home as an individual or as an organisation (for example charity, business, or community group).
The Scottish Government has proposed to become ‘super sponsors’ to allow up to 3,000 Ukrainians to come to Scotland in the immediate wave. Once they are here, they will be accommodated temporarily and then people will be matched to longer term accommodation, including offers of rooms from the public.
Highland Council is still waiting for further details on how this will operate in Scotland and the role the Council will have in this scheme.
The following links may be found useful to direct Ukrainians to (or others looking for) more general information about the response from the UK:
- Barnardo’s UK-wide helpline https://www.barnardos.org.uk/what-we-do/helping-families/ukrainian-helpline
- Scottish Refugee Council - Online help sessions for people affected by the Ukraine conflict https://www.scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/our-new-online-help-sessions-for-people-affected-by-the-ukraine-conflict/
The Council will directly promote among its staff and the public the opportunity to donate financially to support people directly affected by the invasion of Ukraine:
- Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) https://www.dec.org.uk/
- SCIAF (The Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund) www.sciaf.org.uk/get-involved/appeals/741-ukraine-appeal
In addition, working with its Community Planning Partners, the Council will engage with the community, public and private sectors on a ‘Highland Weekend of Action for Ukraine’; to promote fundraising activity across Highland during the first weekend of the school holidays 1 - 3 April 2022.
Further information on the evolving response from UK and Scottish Government will be provided as soon as more information becomes available.