Support for Ukrainian guests in Plymouth is set to continue over the next six months, as the first part of the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme concludes.
Since the launch of the scheme, 177 Ukrainian families have been welcomed to Plymouth, each placed with a local family or resident willing to open their home to those fleeing the war.
All hosts were asked to sign up for a minimum of six months. However, Government funding is available for those wanting to extend the arrangement for up to 12 months. The majority of Plymouth hosts have confirmed that they will continue with providing accommodation for the families.
Since their arrival, the Council, along with a host of local organisations, have been working hard to support both the Ukrainian guests and their host families, to ensure they can access local services, such as health care, education and skills training, social care and learning English.
Over the next six months, with funding from the Government, the Council in partnership with START and PATH will continue offering support and developing a ‘Move-On’ model. This will help families to find suitable, affordable accommodation in the private rented sector. This work will be specific to each of the families – particularly those who might need specialist housing due to a health or mobility requirement.
Deputy Lord Mayor Chris Penberthy, who chairs the Council’s cross-party Task Force overseeing the Homes for Ukraine scheme, said:
“Over the past six months, Plymouth has worked really hard to welcome our Ukrainian guests. As chair of the cities’ cross-party Ukraine Task Force, we have come together to work with our partners in the voluntary and community sectors to provide a wide ranging support package to both hosts and their guest families.
“We are thrilled that so many hosts are continuing to offer accommodation over the next few months. We know that some of the families have already been successful in sourcing private accommodation and others have found paid employment.
“We are committed to providing support and we are awaiting news of what further Government funding will be made available over the winter months. I am proud that Plymouth has stepped up and provided such a fabulous welcome to our city.”