Over 200 Ukrainians matched

The Diocese of Oxford have matched over 200 Ukrainians through their resettlement scheme. The number includes both children and adults who have already or will soon settle in over 80 homes across the diocese.

Back in March, the diocese pledged to resettle 50 refugees as one of 20 strategic partners in a Citizens UK resettlement scheme. Almost 400 people contacted the diocese in less than a week to register their interest in providing support or accommodation to a refugee or refugee family.

Hannah Ling, the diocesan Social Justice Adviser, shares an update on the scheme and some details of the next steps.

A busy time

It continues to be a busy time of matching hosts and guests, and supporting those matches through the visa applications process. We have now matched 82 hosts with refugee individuals or families. This equates to a huge 150 Ukrainian adults and 59 Ukrainian children.

We are increasingly hearing of Ukrainians who have arrived and are navigating the UK systems with their hosts, and many others who are planning their travel to the UK. If your guests have arrived, do let us know if you haven’t already.

Communities for Ukraine

We are currently identifying and releasing the Communities for Ukraine Deanery Leads. They will be the local point of contact for hosts, guests and helpers, and have some knowledge of the activities and support in their areas for Ukrainians.

We will connect the Deanery Leads with the hosts and guests matched through our project. Our next step is to connect the leads with the non-host helpers who are offering their time and skills to supporting new Ukrainian arrivals and their hosts.

Additional support

We have also recruited someone for the Homes for Ukraine Support Worker role. We look forward to introducing them to you in a few weeks! Their focus will be on continuing to deliver the Homes for Ukraine response with Citizens UK and to start thinking about next steps.

There's still time

It's not too late to sign up as a host or supporter. The matching process is ongoing, and every offer of accommodation makes it more likely we can provide a long-term, appropriate home for every refugee that needs one. Register your interest here and keep an eye out in your inbox for a follow-up email.

Beyond hosting

The Sanctuary Foundation are hosting a webinar on Tuesday 2 August on helping Ukrainians find accommodation beyond hosting.

Sanctuary are also asking any hosts to fill in this survey, to help them shape the support they offer and best advise the government  in the next stages.

Sign up for the webinar