Basingstoke Voluntary Action: Caseworker role and contact form

Launched by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Basingstoke Voluntary Action, the caseworker role offers further support to individuals and families arriving from Ukraine and their sponsors. To speak to the caseworker regarding any aspect of your sponsorship arrangement, please use the contact form below:
https://bva-direct.co-impact.co.uk/ukraine-support

Ukraine Connections: Basingstoke Discovery Centre (Friday 15th July)

Come and meet Basingstoke Voluntary Action – On Friday 15^th July, Basingstoke Voluntary Action will be attending the Ukraine Connection event at the Basingstoke Discovery Centre from 10-12 midday. This is an opportunity for us to meet with families, discuss welfare needs and provide further information on services. We look forward to seeing you there.

Hampshire Library Services

Hampshire Library Services have established a number of Ukraine Connection events across Hampshire.

Free ESOL Classes: Basingstoke Discovery Centre

Basingstoke Discovery Centre are running English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes to support development of basic English Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing skills. 
To find out more please contact:
Rekha Gupta
Tel: 03707794222
E: rekha.gupta@hants.gov.uk

Free Bus Passes

Hampshire County Council has partnered with local bus companies to secure free passes for Ukrainian families. The passes will be valid for 12 weeks. Should you be interested in taking up this special offer, you will need to complete this application form – Homes for Ukraine – Free Bus Pass Application Form.docx. The bus pass will cover the routes offered by the main bus company operating in your area. Further information will be provided with your pass. Please note: All children under 5 years of age and adults over 65 are already eligible for free bus travel in the UK, so they don’t need to be included in this application process.

Free Gym Membership: Basingstoke Sports Centre

Basingstoke Sports Centre are offering a free 3 month membership scheme open to all Ukrainian refugees and other refugees who have sought asylum in the UK. You can find out more on how to apply for this membership here.

Leader’s Community Grants

The County Council has provided Members with details of how local community and voluntary organisations working to help Ukrainian families can apply for financial support through the Leader’s Community Grants. For further information: https://www.hants.gov.uk/community/grants/grants-list/leaders-community-grants

Basingstoke and Deane guide for our Ukrainian guests

Basingstoke and Deane have recently released the Welcome to Basingstoke and Deane guide for our Ukrainian guests. To access the guide, please follow this link: https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/welcome-guide

Homes for Ukraine: Information for those coming to the UK

Last week, the government updated the guidance for Ukrainians about what they need to do before they travel to the UK and what they should do after arrival. 
The update includes more information on available benefits under ‘Getting financial help’ and links to guidance about the Scottish and Welsh government sponsorship schemes. 
The guidance is available in English and Ukrainian: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/move-to-the-uk-if-youre-from-ukraine

Immigration information for Ukrainians in the UK

The Home Office published new immigration information about the next steps Ukrainians need to take after arriving in the UK. This includes information about what Ukrainians need to do to confirm their immigration status, and how to demonstrate their status to access work, and the benefits and services they are entitled to: 
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-information-for-ukrainians-in-the-uk-your-next-steps

The British Red Cross

The British Red Cross are offering support for Ukrainian refugees arriving in the country. including financial and sim card support. To confirm eligibility, find out further information on their website: https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/get-help-as-a-refugee/help-for-refugees-from-ukraine or phone 0808 196 3651. 

Anti-trafficking charities launch a new website aimed at keeping Ukrainian refugees safe and stopping exploitation.

A coalition of anti-slavery and human rights groups has launched a new website for Ukrainian refugees in the UK, aimed at keeping them safe from trafficking and helping them adjust to their new home.
http://www.ukrainianswelcome.org is a “one-stop shop” of useful websites, helplines, and other information – anything from where to get basic travel and housing advice to opening a bank account and understanding your rights as a worker.  

Ukraine: sight loss support

A number of sight loss charities including Royal National Institute of Blind People and Guide Dogs have come together to offer free advice, support and assistance (including free equipment such as canes and other mobility items) to Ukrainians in the UK. Support can be accessed by calling the sight loss advice helpline on 0303 123 9999 8:00am – 8:00pm on weekdays and 9:00am-1:00pm on Saturdays. An interpretation service is also available for anyone who needs it.

The Department for Education: Resource pack to support Ukrainian Students

The Department for Education (DfE) has published a resource pack with links to further information for schools and colleges with Ukrainian students:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/helping-ukrainian-students-in-schools

Thank you for your support and if you have any questions please do not hesitate in contacting us.