Homes for Ukraine

The Homes for Ukraine scheme enables individuals, charities, community groups, and businesses in the UK to offer accommodation to people fleeing the war in Ukraine. Under the government programme, hosts provide rent‑free accommodation for at least six months, while guests are supported to access work, public services, education, and financial assistance.

Norfolk County Council and district councils work together to ensure that Ukrainian arrivals receive help settling into local communities.

Support In Norfolk

Norfolk County Council and Breckland Council work together to provide support for new arrivals, including:

Welfare visits on arrival, and every 6 months
A one‑off £200 pre‑paid card for each guest
Support on education, benefits, employment, safety, and more

Find a full list of the support available from Norfolk County Council on their website. (opens new window)

What to expect in the first few days:

A council officer (which may be an officer from our partner, Norfolk County Council) will visit your home to make sure that it is suitable and safe for your guest. We will ask you who you are expecting to arrive, their ages and when you are expecting them to arrive. This visit may happen after they have arrived.
We will contact you to start a DBS check for every adult that lives in your home (not the arriving refugees). This will be carried out by Norfolk County Council or Voluntary Norfolk. If you are hosting any children, we will carry out an enhanced DBS check.
We will invite you and your guest to events happening in your local area so that you can find out about, and access, support in the community.
Refugees are entitled to a £200 cash payment. We will process this as soon as possible, likely through a PayPoint code which can be used at any local PayPoint store. Find your local PayPoint store. (opens new window)
A few days after your guest has arrived, we will visit you again to make sure that everything is OK and to see if you need any further support.

Check the Government's website for answers to other questions you may have. (opens new window)

How to support your guest

It's really important that you support your guest to access things that are important to everyday life.

The UK Government Homes for Ukraine website (opens new window) is regularly updated with useful information.
Read the guide for new refugees on GOV.UK (opens new window).
Read the Red Cross' advice on coping with the Ukraine crisis (opens new window), including for those suffering with trauma.
Norfolk Community Law Services (opens new window) for legal and immigration advice
Find your nearest Jobcentre (opens new window) for advice on benefits and finding work. Jobcentres also offer translation services and can support when starting a benefits claim.

Ongoing Welfare and Resettlement Support

If you've been living in Breckland under the Homes for Ukraine scheme and your circumstances change, we're here to support you. We can help you navigate the next steps so you feel safe, supported, and able to plan for your future.

Housing & Accommodation Support

We can help you:

Find alternative hosting arrangements if your current hosting placement ends or becomes unsuitable.
Work towards independence, including guidance on renting privately, understanding tenancy rights, and accessing local housing support where appropriate.

Health & Wellbeing Support

If you need help with your wellbeing, we can support you with:

Financial concerns, such as navigating benefits, budgeting support, or managing changes to your income.
Health-related needs, including signposting to NHS services, mental health support, and specialist help if you have a long‑term condition or require additional care.

We will work with you, your host, and partner services to ensure you feel supported, safe, and able to thrive during your time in Breckland.