Support for Ukrainian Refugees

Email address for queries

Anyone with queries about the Ukraine crisis can contact us using our dedicated email address: homesforukrainend@northdevon.gov.uk

Support for Ukrainian Refugees

In Devon, we welcome refugees seeking a safe home in our communities. In recent years we have welcomed refugees from Syria and Afghanistan, and we will do what we can to support people escaping war in Ukraine. Last summer, we received an overwhelming number of incredibly generous offers of support from people across Devon in response to the crisis in Afghanistan. We know that the people of Devon will want to show the same compassionate welcome to people fleeing Ukraine.

We want to reach out to all of our Ukrainian residents, and anyone with friends and families affected by, or concerned about, events in Ukraine.

Information and support

• If you are a resident with friends and family in Ukraine and need information or support about what is happening please contact the Ukrainian Embassy
• You can make a donation via the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal
• For information on travel advice to and from Ukraine visit Gov.UK
• If you have a child in a Devon school who is affected by the crisis, please talk to your child’s teachers about any concerns you have and support you would like the school to provide
• Find immigration advice on temporary concessions for Ukrainian nationals applying to join a family route at gov.uk
• Pet owners are struggling to access professional care and advice for their pets at this desperate time so PawSquad are making their service free to those in Ukraine who need it. Their team of English-speaking vets are online now and ready to support you, 24 hours a day, seven days a week

The Ukrainian Ministers are asking for the UK not to send clothes, food or medicine as they are concerned that if a large amount is donated a lot will be rejected or goods will perish.  They are very grateful for the kind offers, but would prefer financial support instead and are encouraging donations instead to the organisations listed above.

Homes for Ukraine

This 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 such as a spare room or unoccupied residential self-contained unit. The scheme will be uncapped. Beneficiaries will be able to live and work in the UK for up to three years and also access benefits, healthcare, employment and other support. The aim, through this route, is to offer a safe, warm welcome to as many arrivals as possible, based on the number of sponsors who come forward. UK individuals, charities, community groups and businesses can now record their interest in supporting Ukrainians fleeing the war by opening up their homes and providing accommodation. For more information visit GOV.UK.

We are following national and international guidance that those wishing to offer donations on the ground are best served in making financial contributions, particularly to Home Disasters Emergency Committee. We may review local responses should numbers of Ukrainian refugees with particular needs start to settle locally.

Devon councils' website to support Ukrainian refugees

Devon’s local authorities are supporting local residents who want to provide sanctuary to the Ukrainian refugees who have been forced to flee their homes.

A new website now hosts the latest guidance and information as it becomes available.

Team Devon, which includes Devon County Council, East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge and Torridge District Councils, West Devon Borough Council and Exeter City Council, condemned Russia's actions when it first invaded Ukraine.

The local authorities are giving particular support to families in Devon whose relatives in Ukraine are fleeing the conflict, as well as to households who volunteer to accommodate refugees.

Devon County Council’s website is being updated with the latest information and provides wider background and links.

Travel discount scheme card

Jobcentre Plus has recently issued a travel discount scheme card in error. The recipient was not eligible for the card and should not have received it. This has led to an increase in demand for the cards and left people feeling frustrated and disappointed when they have been told that they cannot have one. Unfortunately these discount cards are unavailable for the majority of jobseekers until they have been claiming benefit for 13 weeks. We apologise most sincerely for any inconvenience and disappointment this may have caused.