Ukraine war

This page contains information for people affected by the conflict in Ukraine and for people who want to do something to help.

Breckland Council is working with our partners in local government to offer support to refugees from the conflict and families living in our communities.

If you are worried about family members or relatives

• Seeadvice for British nationals who are in Ukraine (opens new window)  on GOV.UK.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine have an emergency helpline number for anyone concerned about Ukrainian citizens - 07553 483628.
• SeeUK visa support for Ukrainian nationals on GOV.UK (opens new window)  for guidance on visa support for Ukrainian nationals and their family members.

How you can get involved

Our communities have once again responded brilliantly, with a great number of examples of Breckland businesses and individuals going above and beyond to provide aid and supplies to help people in need.

If you'd like to get involved by donating money, supplies, or sponsorship to people fleeing Ukraine, you can find out how you can do so safely and in a structured way on the gov.uk national website. This page also contains information about how you can stay safe online and avoid spreading misinformation.

You can also support Norfolk's collective response by offering goods, accommodation, or services. Thelist of support that we're currently looking for (opens new window)  is regularly updated on the GOV.UK website.

The Homes for Ukraine scheme set up by the Government is enabling individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to volunteer accommodation and provide a route to safety for Ukrainians, and their immediate family members. Sponsors should provide accommodation for as long as they are able, but there is a minimum expectation of six months. You canfind out more about Homes for Ukraine at GOV.UK (opens new window) .

Homes for Ukraine privacy notices

• Homes for Ukraine Hosts (Norfolk) - Privacy Notice (opens new window)
• Homes for Ukraine Guests (Norfolk) - Privacy Notice (English) (opens new window)
• Homes for Ukraine Guests (Norfolk) - Privacy Notice (Ukrainian) (opens new window)

Support and resources for hosts

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.

• TheUK Government Homes for Ukraine (opens new window)  website 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.

Legal and immigration advice

• Norfolk Community Law Service (opens new window)

Healthcare

• Information for refugees from Ukraine from Healthwatch Norfolk (opens new window) , including a translated guide.
• Just One Norfolk (opens new window)  has advice on healthcare for children and families.

Work and benefits

• Apply for a National Insurance number (opens new window) .
• 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.
• Start a Universal Credit claim (opens new window) .
• Citizens Advice (opens new window) .

Education

• School admissions (opens new window)
• Norfolk Family Information Service (opens new window)
• English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) (opens new window)

Accessing local facilities

• Check with your Local Council for support (opens new window)  with things like leisure facilities and housing.
• You canjoin a library (opens new window)  to use free computers and access groups and other services.

Travel and transport

• Exchange a foreign driving licence (opens new window)
• Public transport in Norfolk (opens new window)