Cornwall has offered more homes to Ukranian refugees that anywhere else in the country.

More than 2,000 offers have been made from people in the Duchy, willing to put up an individual or family who has been forced to flee Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Cornwall Council said it had seen the largest response in the country, after the UK government announced the launch of the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme last week.

Since then Cornwall Council has had meetings with health and education leaders, as well as charitable organisations, to support the arrival of Ukrainian refugees.

A council spokesperson said: "Weekly meetings have been set up now between our partners across Cornwall to ensure we are doing all we can to keep the process as smooth as possible."

The Packet, with other Newsquest sites around the country, has launched a fundraising campaign in support of the people of Ukraine, raising money for the Red Cross. 

You can donate here: 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/therewithukraine

Since the Russian invasion last month, an estimated three million people have fled Ukraine.

Linda Taylor, leader of Cornwall Council, said: “More detail is now emerging on the Government’s schemes, and I am so proud that Cornwall is at the forefront of this outpouring of support for those affected by this horrendous war.

“We are concentrating on the immediate needs of how to keep people safe as they are matched with residents, and when they arrive in Cornwall.

“It is of course a very fluid situation, and we will continue to meet at least once a week to ensure we do all we can to help.”

Households in the UK will be offered £350 a month to open their homes to refugees. The government has so far not specified whether this is the amount offered to hosts per refugee, but it is implied that this funding is per home offered rather than for each individual.

 

An estimated three million people have fled Ukraine since the invasion of Russia Picture: PA Images

An estimated three million people have fled Ukraine since the invasion of Russia Picture: PA Images

 

You don't have to name an individual or a family you want to host when you fill in the form. Once you submit it, you will be matched with Ukrainians who are seeking refugee in the UK.

However, it is not yet clear how and where the refugees wanting to come to the UK will be able to apply.

Local authorities will also receive £10,500 in extra funding per refugee for support services, with more for children of school age.

Ukrainians welcomed under the scheme will be eligible to work, access state benefits and public services for three years.

Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer and Morrisons are among UK retailers who have offered to employ Ukrainian refugees.

The government has also said it will look at options to provide support to Ukrainian nationals who want to come to the UK with their pets.

All accommodation offered will be subject to the relevant safeguarding checks and will be carried out at a local level on a case by case basis.

For more information about hosting a refugee from Ukraine visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/people-and-communities/homes-for-ukraine/

  • Have you signed up to offer a home to a refugee from Ukraine? If so we'd love to hear from you. Email editorial@packetseries.co.uk or call 01326 213341.