Dorset Council is calling on residents to get in touch if they can open their homes and hearts to people who have fled the war in Ukraine.
So far, more than 400 households in Dorset have sponsored refugees as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, but we still need more.
As the war sadly continues, more Ukrainians need a place of safety, and we are seeking new hosts in Dorset to help more victims escape the war-torn country, as well as Ukrainians already in the area who need to move on from their initial sponsorship arrangement.
If you think you could help by offering a spare room in your home or in an annexe or independent accommodation, we would love to hear from you.
In return, you will have a network of support and we will pay you £350 a month to provide a home for the refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.
After six months the host payments increase to £600 per month as an extra thank you for continuing to host.
Dorset Council’s Ukraine Response Team are there for both hosts and refugees, ensuring the transition is as smooth as possible for all concerned.
The Ukrainian refugees can access a range of council services including schools, work, training and volunteering placements, while libraries and community groups are working to make them feel welcome.
Here are a few quotes from our current hosts:
“Hosting is a venture worth embarking on – understand the implications, have courage, and the rewards will be with you, and your guests, for life!”
“We have a young male medical student from Ukraine who has been living with us for 7 months already. He has a job working locally as well as studying hard, via distance learning, with his university in Odessa. He joins in with family events and friends visiting and really feels like part of the family. We have fascinating talks about the customs in his country as well as the UK. It is very rewarding hosting him. He benefits and we really enjoy having him in our lives.”
If you are interested in hosting, please register your interest or to find out more, please do not hesitate to contact us by email: ukraineresponse@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk, telephone: 01305 221000.
Find out more about the Refugee programme in Dorset.
Local groups across Dorset also provide a wide range of support and activities for hosts and guests in many local towns and villages. To find a local group in your area please see: https://www.helpandkindness.co.uk/support-for-ukraine
