Situation in Ukraine: Information for guests, sponsors and families

Russia has invaded Ukraine, and the world is following the story very closely. Following Russia's invasion of the country on Thursday 24 February 2022, hundreds of thousands of people have left their homes to escape the conflict.

The UK and international partners are united in support of Ukraine. The UK government continues to provide economic, humanitarian, and defensive military assistance to Ukraine, and is imposing additional sanctions on Russia and Belarus.

Read more about the government response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine

The government's Ukraine Family Scheme allows an immediate pathway for those with family already living in the UK to apply for a visa for up to three years. It allows those who are granted a visa through this route to work, access public funds for the period of the visa, and it continues to be in places and will operate as outlined on the government website.

Further details: 

FAMILY SCHEME

The government have announced a new scheme, the Ukraine Extension Scheme, for Ukrainians already in the UK to extend their stay. A Ukraine Extension Scheme visa will be granted for a period of up to 36 months and include the right to work and access to public funds. The scheme opens on the 3 May 2022.  Further information can be found here.

Doncaster is a community that has always supported those who need help, and once again we're seeing the people of Doncaster stepping forward to help the people of Ukraine.  
 
If you do want to help, you can donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Appeal to help DEC charities provide food, water, shelter and health care to refugees and displaced families.  

Donate to the DEC Ukraine Appeal

There are also many local community-led projects happening as our fantastic volunteers around the borough step forward and give their support.

You can now register your interest in accommodating Ukrainians fleeing conflict by visiting the government website using the link button below: 

REGISTER NOW - HOMES FOR UKRAINE

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions can be found here from the government:

HOMES FOR UKRAINE SCHEME FAQs

We've received enquiries from many members of the public asking where they can make donations of clothes/goods/toys etc to help. Please contact enquiries@ucdoncaster.co.uk for more information on where and what is required.

We know many of our residents will be personally affected by the current situation. Whether that be worries and concerns for friends and family members in the region to anxiety about the implications from a wider perspective.

If you feel you need some extra support throughout this time, there's lots of support available and people you can talk to. Find out about available mental health support.

Barnardo’s free helpline to support Ukrainian families

The conflict and ongoing violence in Ukraine has caused families to forcibly leave their homes, in search of safety, with many arriving in the UK.

In response to this, following discussion with the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, Barnardo’s has set up the Ukrainian Support Helpline to provide a holistic support service. The helpline is available to anyone fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.

Barnardo’s free helpline (0800 148 8586) is staffed by English, Ukrainian and Russian speakers, to offer support to children and families arriving in the UK from Ukraine.

The helpline is open Monday – Friday (10:00am – 8:00pm) and Saturday (10:00am – 3:00pm). Callers will be able to get help and advice on a range of issues.

A dedicated email address ukrainiansupport@barnardos.org.uk and webpage have been set up for those assisting with the Ukraine response.

More information:
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/what-we-do/helping-families/ukrainian-help

Doncaster Mind Ukrainian Peer Support Groups

Doncaster Mind offers emotional wellbeing and language support to help Ukraine refugees arriving in Doncaster and Ukraine nationals already settled.

The service is jointly funded by Doncaster Mind and Doncaster Council and offers group sessions and peer support to Ukrainian adults. There are two regular groups running - a Speaking Club facilitated by a Ukrainian English teacher, and an Emotional Wellbeing Support Group facilitated by a Ukrainian psychologist. Both are free to attend and aim to create opportunities to build friendships and connections to reduce social isolation and support for Ukrainian people integrating into Doncaster’s communities.

To find out more and to access this service, click here for more information: https://www.doncastermind.org.uk/news-events/news/new-ukrainian-peer-support-project/ 

For more information please contact:: 

office@doncastermind.org.uk (emails in Ukrainian English) 

01302 812190 (messages in Ukrainian or English)

Many children may be scared by what they hear and see happening in Ukraine on TV, from friends or via social media. 

If you feel like it's something you want to discuss with your children, here are some helpful links that can help:

• Supporting your child if they see upsetting content online about what is happening in Ukraine: five ways to talk to your children about conflict (Save the Children)
• Newsround has some great content to help explain the situation and understand fake news too>
• We should not hide from children what is happening in Ukraine (Schools Week/Children's Commissioner)
• Help for teachers and families to talk to pupils about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and how to help them avoid misinformation (Department for Education)

This government guidance outlines important information for sponsors including responsibilities of sponsors and how sponsors may support their guests.

HOMES FOR UKRAINE SPONSOR GUIDANCE

Housing rights information can also be found here:

HOUSING RIGHTS INFORMATION

Homes for Ukraine: No tax to pay on £350 ‘thank you’ payments

Legislation will be introduced to exempt the £350 ‘thank you’ payments made by councils to sponsors under the Homes for Ukraine scheme from income tax and corporation tax.

In the meantime, HMRC will not collect any tax on these payments. Recipients should also disregard such payments when calculating income for the purposes of tax credits. Further detail can be found in the Written Ministerial Statement below.

Written statement: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2022-03-31/hcws760

The 'thank you' payments will continue until the 12 months payment limit is reached, unless the guest leaves prior to 12 months. The local interpretation of the guidance is that the sponsor is only entitled to a maximum amount of thank you payments of 12 months per property, irrespective of the number of guests that are hosted.

Update 14 December 2022

The government announced that thousands of families who opened their homes to Ukrainian guests will now receive a package of further support.

Further details here.

Applications for the scheme are made directly to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and are sent on to the local authority for checks to be made with regards to safeguarding and accommodation.

The system is being constantly updated and we make regular checks throughout the day for any updates. Once an application is received by us, the customer will receive a phone call so that we can progress with the necessary safeguarding and accommodation checks, normally within 24 hours (excluding weekends)

The caller is also able to check the status of their registration on the portal on the government website where they originally applied.

Council tax discounts will not be affected if you sponsor and host Ukrainian guests in your home.

The Government has taken steps to protect the council tax status of sponsors under the Homes for Ukraine scheme: 8/2022: Council Tax information letter - 1 April 2022 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

In addition, the Collection Fund (Council Tax Reductions) (England) Directions 2013 were revoked on 11 April 2022 and replaced by the Collection Fund (Council Tax Reductions) (England) Directions 2022 [“the Directions”] with immediate effect. The Directions can be found at the following address: The Collection Fund (Council Tax Reductions) (England) Directions 2022 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

From Sunday the 11^th of September 2022, Doncaster Council will no longer be providing a service for meeting arrivals at the Doncaster Sheffield Airport. The Council will remain offering support remotely to those in need via our regular contact methods:

For daytime support (8:30am-5:00pm), please contact the main council switchboard on 01302 736000 or email: HomesForUkraine@doncaster.gov.uk

If your flight arrives after 5pm and you require support, please contact our out of hours number on: 01302 342222.

First payments can only be made when all government required checks have been completed and cleared. The reason your first payment may be delayed is that certain checks (eg. DBS check) are still outstanding.

Unfortunately we have no facility to provide any financial support for costs of any journey to arrive in Doncaster.

Migration Yorkshire is partnering with RESET to deliver ‘Planning for the end of hosting’, this interactive training will help you plan for the end of your hosting, even if you are new to hosting, and discuss tools and techniques to help your guests to prepare for their future. These will all be delivered over Zoom by RESET trainers. Various dates and times available, this event is for hosts only, tickets, per person, must be booked in advance, please use the link

As we approach Saturday 5 November, our communities will be preparing to celebrate with bonfire and firework parties and over the weekend of 4 – 6 November, there will be organised events and private parties at home. Firework displays are mesmerising and compelling to watch, but we also know the unpredictable bright flashes and sudden bangs can be overwhelming for some people as well as animals. Our feedback tells us that for some, it will be their first experience of a traditional Bonfire Night and that it may help to prepare your guests with the knowledge that there will fireworks with sudden, bright moving sparks, usually accompanied with a lot of noise. The story of the Gunpowder Plot and it’s more than 400 year history, is equally as compelling as the pyrotechnics that mark the anniversary on 5 November! If you’d like further information and guidance on setting off fireworks, you can visit our webpage: www.doncaster.gov.uk/fireworks. Further mental health advice and support can also be found on our webpage here: www.doncaster.gov.uk/goodmentalhealth 

• A free welcome box (including a Lenovo tablet) for Ukrainian children aged 5-9, can be ordered by following the link here register your interest to receive Bookmark Boxes for Ukraine. There are limited numbers, so please register your order early. 

• Children in Need have a bank of resources and organisations that can help with talking to children about Ukraine and Russia (mostly aimed at UK children, but useful to share) Useful resources for talking about Ukraine and Russia - BBC Children in Need

• Twinkl (resources for Primary School aged children) has a number of Ukrainian Dual Language Resources:  Ukrainian Dual Language Resources | EAL | Inclusion | Twinkl

• For Ukrainian textbooks and schooling Resources supporting Ukrainian children’s right to education - Newsroom on Children's Rights (coe.int)

• For educational resources for Ukrainian children Free educational resources for Ukrainian children - Education without backpacks (obr.education)

• For Ukrainian Language Resources for children: Ukrainian Language Resources (bilingualkidsrock.com)

• Twinkl Life is a great suite of resources which cover wellbeing, mindfulness & social/emotional education.

• For Q6, post-16 Careers, Information, Advice & Guidance can be accessed via The National Careers Service - https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/about-us.  This support is offered via telephone, webchat, social media etc. 

• More local post-16 careers information can found be on the START in Doncaster Careers Platform - https://www.startindoncaster.com/

• The Pathways to Progression Programme (Doncaster Children’s Services Trust) can provide intensive ‘hand-holding’ support, including Careers, Information, Advice and Guidance to NEET young people aged 16-18 - https://www.doncasterchildrenstrust.co.uk/p2p

• The Participation & Transition Service (Doncaster Council) can provide Information, Advice & Guidance (signposting) around post-16 options to NEET young people aged 16-18 - https://www.doncaster.gov.uk/services/schools/participation-and-transition-serviceBBC Bitesize –fun and learning based resources for primary (age 3 -11), secondary (age 11-16) and

• post-16 children Home - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

• National Geographic Kids – learning resources, quizzes, and competitions – mostly aimed at primary age children National Geographic Kids: https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/

• UCL – a huge list of resources – including primary, secondary and ESOL, and subject specific e.g.

  Numeracy, Science etc Free online learning resources | IOE - Faculty of Education and Society - UCL

  – https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/departments-and-centres/centres/ucl-centre-educational-leadership/free-online-learning-resources

• British Council resources for children who speak English as an additional language Resources |

  https://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/resources

Learning Resources: For Ukrainian adults (ESOL/ English Language)

• Learning English in Yorkshire and the Humber: A regional website to find online and face to face

English/ ESOL classes: https://www.learningenglish.org.uk/

• Learning English Plus: This website is aimed at ESOL teachers, but has a huge list of useful

resources for ESOL learners to refer to: https://learningenglishplus.org.uk/

• British Council resources for adults who speak English as an additional language, includes online

English test and free resources Learn English Online: https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/

• Open University Free online resources for Ukrainians settling in the UK - https://www.open.edu/openlearn/supporting-ukrainians

If you need assistance or advice with support and care arrangements you can call us on 01302 737391 between 8.30 am – 5 pm Monday - Friday or email us at isat@doncaster.gov.uk 

A call handler based with the Customer Service Team will answer your call, who will help you with the initial steps and try and make things more straight forward for you to understand. They will ask you some questions to ensure that you receive the most suitable information and advice available, often there simple things can help you stay in control of your life. 

However, should they feel a further conversation is required, your information will be referred to the Integrated Support and Assessment team, who will telephone you to talk about your needs and how they can met by focusing on your strengths.

Our assessments will normally involve a conversation over the phone or face to face. If you like you can have someone you trust with you; we will ask you to tell us about yourself and how you think we can help you.  We may speak to other people who help you, like your health professional and close family members, but we will only do this with your consent.

We will discuss the help and support available to you based on your needs and if an urgent response is required we will seek support to keep you safe and well.

Types of support provided might include:

• Short-term support to regain or improve your independence
• Support to keep you safe at home, including the use of assistive technology
• Reducing isolation or loneliness by connecting you to community groups.

If you are eligible under the Care Act eligibility criteria then we will help you arrange the proportionate services to maintain your health and wellbeing.  You may have to pay towards the cost of your care and support services. A financial assessment will be required to confirm your financial contribution. If you needs are deemed to require long term support you will be transferred to locality team (dependant on the area you live in Doncaster), who either will complete a formal assessment or review of your strengths to identify how you can remain independent as possible. You can find lots of detailed information on www.yourlifedoncaster.co.uk or alternatively you can call on 01032 737391.

We also think about the people who help you at home (family and friends), and if they might benefit from support and advice. We can connect you with other people caring for their families, and professional support from Doncaster Carers Reach Out Service at Making Space. DoncaterCarers@makingspace.co.uk or call 01302 986900.

Top of Form

For out of hours emergency support please contact 01302 736000 and ask for an Adult Social Care Worker

If you are concerned about an adult at risk go to the Safeguarding Adults Page. An adult at risk, is a person aged 18 or over who:

• Has needs for care and support
• Is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect
• Is unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect

To contact us:

• If you don't want to report a safeguarding issue over the phone, you can email us details here: SAH@doncaster.gov.uk
• For general information, advice and guidance about safeguarding adults call the safeguarding adults unit on: 01302 737063

If you need assistance or advice with support and care arrangements you can call us on 01302 737391 between 8.30 am – 5 pm Monday - Friday or email us at isat@doncaster.gov.uk 

These infographics provide a guide for guests on how the NHS works: 

Ukrainian version

Russian version

English version

Doncaster Council’s Admissions Service welcomes all Ukrainian refugee families and is committed to securing school places for all children of school age.

Families should contact the admissions service for advice rather than approaching schools directly. In this way, we can ensure that we can work with schools and families to secure school places for all the children.

Please contact the School Admissions team, who will be able to advise further on how to apply for a place for your child(ren) at a local school:

• tel: 01302 736000
• admissions@doncaster.gov.uk

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has laid emergency regulations so those arriving in the UK from Ukraine can access Universal Credit and jobs support immediately.

Ukrainians will also be eligible for Housing Benefit, Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Child Disability Living Allowance and Carers Allowance, and Attendance Allowance.

Contributions-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) are also available for those Ukrainians who meet the criteria.

Translation services are available to help new arrivals with phone applications, with work coaches in DWP Jobcentres on hand to support people making claims online.

The regulations exempt those arriving from Ukraine, from the Habitual Residence Test and the Past Presence Test, meaning, if eligible, they can access Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, State Pension Credit and disability and carer benefits from day one.

There's more on the financial support for those feeling Ukraine here: SUPPORT FOR THOSE FLEEING THE CONFLICT IN UKRAINE - Understanding Universal Credit

Arrivals from Ukraine: Guidance for claiming Child Benefit 

Anyone coming to the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme or Homes for Ukraine scheme is entitled to claim Child Benefit immediately, rather than having to wait for the usual 3-month qualifying period.

People who wish to claim should complete a CH2 Child Benefit claim form and submit this by post to the Child Benefit office. The address is included on the form.

They should provide an original birth certificate and the passport or travel document used to enter the UK. Where this documentation is not immediately available, people are advised to include a note in their claim and someone from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will be in touch to discuss further.

Anyone wanting more information on Child Benefit can visit GOV.​UK or call 0300 200 3100 (from inside the UK).

CH2 Child Benefit claim form: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/child-benefit-claim-form-ch2

More information: https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit

Further funding options to support families such as the Stronger Families Innovation Fund and the Local Assistance Scheme are available:  https://www.doncaster.gov.uk/services/council-tax-benefits/local-assistance-scheme  As with all grant fund schemes, there are qualifying criteria.

If you feel you need some extra support throughout this time, there's lots of support available and people you can talk to. Find out about available mental health support.

Barnardo’s free helpline to support Ukrainian families

The conflict and ongoing violence in Ukraine has caused families to forcibly leave their homes, in search of safety, with many arriving in the UK.

In response to this, following discussion with the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, Barnardo’s has set up the Ukrainian Support Helpline to provide a holistic support service. The helpline is available to anyone fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.

Barnardo’s free helpline (0800 148 8586) is staffed by English, Ukrainian and Russian speakers, to offer support to children and families arriving in the UK from Ukraine.

The helpline is open Monday – Friday (10:00am – 8:00pm) and Saturday (10:00am – 3:00pm). Callers will be able to get help and advice on a range of issues.

A dedicated email address ukrainiansupport@barnardos.org.uk and webpage have been set up for those assisting with the Ukraine response.

More information:
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/what-we-do/helping-families/ukrainian-help

DN is the postcode for Doncaster but also a number of surrounding areas, so you may not be within Doncaster Council's Local Authority boundaries. If you know the postcode you're moving to, you can find out your local council here: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council  

This map also highlight areas within and around the Doncaster area: https://mapit.mysociety.org/area/2521.html 

• The Mobile Phone provider, Three, has rolled out a support package for Ukrainians arriving in the UK, details on the link below. They will be able to get a free, 30 day, pay as you go SIM card with unlimited UK calls and texts and also free calls and texts form the UK to Ukraine: Three has rolled out a support package for Ukrainian refugees (3g.co.uk) 

• Vodaphone is offering free SIMS for 6 months – (these can only be accessed by charities supporting people): charities.connected | End digital exclusion | Vodafone 

• Virgin Media O2 have also removed data charges for data use in Ukraine and will credit charges for calls and texts to and from Ukraine and the UK for their customers: Virgin Media O2 offers support to those affected by events in Ukraine - Virgin Media O2

The Very Basic Solution

Call Traveline on (01709) 51 51 51 for all your information needs.

A Little More Detail

TravelSouthYorkshire.com has information on:

• Timetables and journey planning
• Concessionary passes
• Tickets
• Disruptions and service changes

SYTravelmaster.com has more information on tickets that can be used across all operating companies.

Background Information

Public transport is organised at the level of South Yorkshire (Barnsley, Rotherham, and Sheffield as well as Doncaster). It’s often easier to find sources of information if you look for “South Yorkshire” rather than “Doncaster”.

Public transport is provided by private companies (First, Stagecoach, Arriva and others). Sometimes you can pay less by buying a ticket for just one company but there are always alternatives that cover all companies.

You may be able to get free or reduced-price travel if you are:

• Over 66
• Disabled
• Under 21.

Contact Traveline for details.

When travelling on buses you can:

• Pay a fare for one journey to the driver
• Buy a 1-day or 7-day ticket from the driver
• Buy a 7-day or 28-day ticket from a vending machine at Doncaster Interchange

When travelling on trains you can:

• Buy a single or return ticket at the station from either
  • A manned ticket window or
  • A ticket vending machine
• Buy a season ticket from a station with a manned ticket window
• Buy a ticket online from websites like northernrailway.co.uk or thetrainline.com

Sometimes you can buy a ticket from a conductor on the train but if you get on the train at a station that has a ticket sales window you must buy your ticket before you get on the train. 

The possibility of more passes is being explored and an update will follow.

We’ve created a Welcome to Doncaster guide, inside is helpful information such as housing, finding work, supporting your family, living in your neighbourhood, finding schools, local healthcare information, staying safe, driving and transport and much more. You can find it in the ‘downloads’ section on this page in both Ukrainian and Russian.