Please don't contact the borough council direct at this stage as we are still awaiting further guidance from Government as to the role we will play.
The Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator have urged the public to give safely to registered charities helping and supporting those affected by the invasion of Ukraine.
By giving to a registered, regulated charity, the public can have assurance that their funds will be accounted for in line with the charity law framework. Established charities with experience of responding to disasters are usually best placed to reach victims on the ground.
People looking to donate to causes working in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, should make a few simple checks before giving:
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has launched an urgent appeal to help people fleeing conflict in Ukraine.
DEC charities are working with local partners to provide refugees and displaced people with food, water, blankets, hygiene items, medical assistance, protection and trauma care.
You can donate on their Humanitarian Appeal page and the UK government will match any donations pound-for-pound up to £20 million.
Guidance for family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come to or stay in the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-ukraine-family-scheme-visa.
The Government has launched a new sponsorship scheme to make sure that Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homes have a route to safety.
The scheme will match people, charities, businesses and community groups to Ukrainians who do not have family ties to the UK.
The Government is therefore now asking those who wish to register their interest to do so on its central website at www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-ukraine-family-scheme-visa.
Individuals who wish to sponsor a named person should get in contact with them directly and prepare to fill in a visa application with all the required details. The visa application will go live on 18 March.
Individuals who do not know anyone to sponsor may wish to get in touch with charities, faith groups or local community organisations who are starting to make connections between individuals.
The DLUHC has produced a frequently asked questions document about the scheme. If you have any questions, please email homesforukraine@levellingup.gov.uk.
More information is available on the Homes for Ukraine website at homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk, including the set of frequently asked questions.
Local organisations interested in becoming a community sponsor, please contact Brein Fisher, Regional Migration Manager, East Midlands Strategic Migration Partnership, at brein.fisher@emcouncils.gov.uk.
Please don't contact the borough council direct at this stage as we are still awaiting further guidance from Government as to the role we will play.
Contact the team directly on 01773 570222 or email enquiry@ambervalley.gov.uk
