Relocating
How to come to, or stay in, the UK
1 According to the UK government’s websites: Homes for Ukraine scheme: frequently asked questions and Apply for a visa under the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme
Help and Guidance...
Guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK provides information for Ukrainians arriving in the UK. The welcome guide, produced by the UK Government, includes:
- a glossary of useful words and phrases
- what people need to know in their first few days of arriving in the UK
- information to support getting used to life in the UK
- what to do if things go wrong
- legal rights and responsibilities
- applying for a school place in England
- a quick guide to key services
Ukrainian Refugee Support – This page includes useful links, information and guidance for UK hosts looking to support Ukrainians and for Ukrainians arriving in the UK. This page is managed by the Ukrainian Institute London. They are an independent charity, dedicated to broadening knowledge about Ukraine in the UK and beyond. If you have suggestions of additional links and information to add to this site, please write to us at info@ukrainianinstitute.org.uk.
The Ukraine Support Helpline – is run by the charity Barnardo’s and provides counselling and therapy with a qualified psychotherapist – delivered via the phone or online, with access to Ukrainian and Russian interpreters. The number is 0800 148 8586 or you can access it from the web. The ‘phone line is open Monday to Friday – 10am to 8pm, Saturday – 10am to 3pm.
The British Red Cross supports people from Ukraine who are in the UK. Their information helps families from Ukraine find out about services and support that might be available. There is information in Ukrainian to download.
- There is a free British Red Cross support line, which people can call for any more information about British Red Cross, or for emotional support. Please call:
0808 196 3651 (open between 10am – 6pm daily). - If people need a support line interpreter, call and say: ‘can I speak to an interpreter?‘.
UK Government has put emergency support in place for Ukrainian nationals entering the UK with their pets. Using an emergency licence, people fleeing Ukraine can bring their pets to the UK with any quarantine costs met by the government.
UK Government provides immigration information for Ukrainians in the UK, British nationals and their family members. The information is updated regularly.
Buckinghamshire Council – provides support with food, bills and finances (Helping Hand). Their team are available to help individuals or families in need, those on low incomes and those who are experiencing a financial emergency or crisis.
Ukraine Advice Project UK are a group of volunteer legal professionals with immigration and asylum expertise. They are providing a free service to connect Ukrainian citizens in need of free legal advice on UK immigration, visas and asylum with qualified and regulated lawyers.
Ukraine Family Scheme allows applicants to join family members or extend their stay in the UK. It is a free scheme and people coming to the UK through this scheme will be to live, work and study in the UK and access public funds.
National Rail are offering guests from Ukraine arriving in the country a single onward journey via national rail, bus, light rail, and coach. This is free of charge to anywhere in England, Scotland and Wales.
Help and support if you’ve recently arrived from Ukraine. The UK Government have put together a helpful welcome guide for Ukrainians arriving the in UK, which you can find online here: A guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK.
Buckinghamshire Family Information Service – Information, support, childcare and things to do for families, children and young people aged from birth to 19 years (up to 25 years with a disability/additional need).
Benefits – Citizens Advice are an independent charity specialising in providing confidential advice to help people find a way forward with their problems. Their advice is free and confidential and covers benefits, employment, housing, debt management, family and other areas. See their Benefits Guide in English and Ukrainian
Funding for 2 year olds – Carol has contacted HUSC to offer her help. Carol is from the Early Years Service (Buckinghamshire Council) and she can help with applications for 2 year old funding (predominantly for families on a low income) and she supports parents with finding childcare and provides information about early years funding. You can email Carol or ‘phone her on 01296 38 7000 to have a chat.
For a list of organisations providing help with languages please visit our Employment and Training page.
Oak Academy provided a lot of the online teaching resource during lockdown. You can follow the curriculum using the online lessons, which are now partially available in Ukrainian via subtitles . Families can take a look to see what sort of things are being taught here.
Buckinghamshire Council – School admissions guidance for Ukrainian refugee sponsors and parents This guide is for the sponsors or parents of Ukrainian children applying to start school during the academic year (in-year transfer).