Council pledge to do "whatever they can" to help refugees

The government announced the plan for its Homes for Ukraine scheme on March 14, stating UK individuals, charities, community groups and businesses could now record their interest in supporting Ukrainians fleeing the war.

Cllr Sarah Rouse, Leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said she was "proud" of how the communities in Malvern have come together to try and help the ongoing situation.

She said: “It has been truly horrifying witnessing the shocking scenes unfolding in Ukraine.

"I am proud of how our communities have come together to raise funds and collect donations to support those affected by the conflict.

"We also stand ready to do whatever we can to help resettle Ukrainian refugees, should we be asked to do so by the Government."

Cllr Sarah Rouse.

The new government scheme will allow Ukrainians, and their immediate family members,  with no family ties to the UK to be sponsored by individuals or organisations who can offer them a home.

The accommodation can include a spare room or an unoccupied residential self-contained unit. 

Those taken in under the scheme will be able to live and work in the UK for up to three years and also access benefits, healthcare, employment and other support. 

In the first phase of the scheme, sponsors will need to have a named person whom they wish to sponsor, with the visa application route going live last week on Friday 18.

Read More: Here's how you can support Ukraine by visiting Malvern Cinema

Sponsors will be expected to provide accommodation for a minimum of six months, and an optional payment of £350 a month will be offered to people who can accommodate one or more people for up to 12 months.

If you are interested in housing someone under the Homes for Ukraine scheme then please visit the website for more information and to fill in an expression of interest form.

The Malvern Hills District Council website is also displaying multiple ways in which you can donate money to help Ukrainian refugees.