UKRAINIAN refugees in Gloucestershire will receive ongoing support from the county council if a new approach to accessing funding is approved.

The cabinet will review council’s approach to allocating more than £15 million of Government ring-fenced funding through the Homes for Ukraine (HFU) scheme.

The funds are used for support payments for guests and hosts and mental health support for trauma, as well as for partner organisations to ensure guests have access to the services they need.

The council says a revised internal process to accessing funding will make it easier for partners to provide “essential and timely support” for Ukrainians arriving in the county.

There are currently more than 530 hosts within the county, with more coming forward every week.

Hosts have committed to help house and settle Ukrainian guests for between six and twelve months.

Cllr Kathy Williams, cabinet member responsible for refugees and migrants, said: “I’m extremely humbled by the number of Gloucestershire hosts who are continuing beyond the initial six months of this scheme.

“They are providing vital support and security while Ukrainian guests settle in the county, which is an incredible task, and they need to be recognised for this.

“Sadly, the conflict in Ukraine is ongoing, so if you could provide this support too, please do get in touch.”

Each host currently receives a £350 per month ‘thank you’ payment, and, recognising the increased cost of living, the county council agreed to provide a further £125 each month for November and December 2022 and January 2023 to help with energy costs.

Hosts who are able to continue their arrangement beyond the initial six months are also receiving an extra £100 monthly.

Cllr Williams added, “The funding we get from Government for this scheme is ring-fenced and there are strict ways it should be spent.

“Over half of the money we are allocated is going directly back to guests and hosts in the form of support payments, or by providing specialised mental health support for trauma.

“The rest is allocated to our partners to make sure Ukrainian guests have access to services they need, and responsibilities set out by Government are met.

“This includes carrying out property and safeguarding checks, and welcome visits to meet each person face to face.”

The Homes for Ukraine partnership in Gloucestershire includes all seven councils, GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership, Department for Work and Pensions, local NHS and primary care, and Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers.

For more information about the scheme, go to www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/your-community/ukrainian-support.