Good afternoon,
Our apologies for the error in the previous newsletter. Please find the updated version of the 33rd edition of the Ukraine Supporters Network fortnightly bulletin below.

Advanced ESOL Provision

Do you want to communicate effectively for your chosen career progression? Advanced English Skills course available through Farnborough College of Technology for those looking to improve their English skills for business. Further information can be found here.

HAF Easter Provision

Join Kala the Arts for the Hampshire Food and Activities Club during the Easter Holidays for children aged 8 to 16 years. Further information can be found here.

Basingstoke Voluntary Action: Ukraine Drop In Session at The Orchard

Come along for a friendly chat and to ask the Ukraine Community Caseworker from Basingstoke Voluntary Action any questions about housing, health, benefits, education and life in the UK. 
Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided.

Time: 10am to 12:00 noon
Location: The Orchard, White Hart Lane, Basingstoke, RG21 4AF
Dates: Friday 5th May and Friday 2nd June 2023. 

For further information about our drop-in session see here. 

If you are a Ukrainian national or host family residing in Basingstoke & Deane, please use the contact form below to contact us for welfare specific support: https://bva-direct.co-impact.co.uk/ukraine-support

ESOL

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

ESOL Conversation Classes

ESOL Conversation Classes are taking place across the borough:
Mondays: 2-3pm *English conversation* at the United Reformed Church, London Street, RG21 7NU
Tuesdays: 10.30-12.00 midday *Coffee and chat *at Starbucks, Festival Place, Basingstoke.
Thursdays: 1.15-2.45pm *English Cafe* at Hope Church, Sarum Hill. RG21 8SR
For further information contact Hope Community Church: hello@hopebasingstoke.org

Peppo English Conversation Class

Peppo English Conversation Class provide free online English Conversation Classes for Young People Aged 11-18. You can find out more via the poster here.

Free ESOL Courses

Find out more here.

Read Easy: A national charity offering free, confidential, 1:1 coaching for adults who struggle with literacy
Read Easy is a national charity offering free, confidential, 1:1 coaching for adults who struggle with literacy. Their aim is to help adults across Basingstoke & Deane learn to read. To apply for support, participants need to have a good knowledge of English and Read Easy can then help improve reading ability. Anyone interested in this support should call Louise on 07592 450789 or Helen on 07745 526598.

Further Information

Ongoing support:
Basingstoke Voluntary Action: Caseworker Role 
If you are a Ukrainian national or host family residing in Basingstoke & Deane, please use the contact form below to contact us for welfare specific support: https://bva-direct.co-impact.co.uk/ukraine-support

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.   

People aged over 65 can apply for their free bus pass here: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/publictransport/buspasses/olderpersonsbuspass Please print a copy of the form and send it with copies of your passport, official document showing your address e.g. bank statement (please don’t send original documents) and a passport photo with your name and date of birth on the back to the address shown on the website.

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 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

This 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.  

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities: Sponsors and guest

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities will be providing further updates to sponsors and guests in due course. Official guidance for sponsors and guests can be found on the following website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homes-for-ukraine-guidance-for-councils

Barnardo’s Ukrainian Support Helpline

Barnardo’s offer a dedicated helpline to support Ukrainians arriving in the United Kingdom. Support includes therapy with a qualified psychotherapist, advice on a range of issues and practical support. Further information can be found on their website:
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/what-we-do/services/barnardos-ukrainian-support-helplin

Understanding Trauma

The University of Southampton have compiled an Understanding Trauma Leaflet, working closely with Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council and Basingstoke Voluntary Action. The leaflet explores different types of trauma and support services available. For further information you can access the leaflet here:

• Understanding Trauma: English Version
• Understanding Trauma: Ukrainian Version

Information italk in Ukrainian

Italk provides free treatment to people suffering from common mental health problems including depression, anxiety and stress. Information on their service in Ukrainian can be found here.