For over a year, the conflict in Ukraine has affected countless lives and communities. This has been, and remains, a difficult time for the people of Ukraine, and we continue to stand with them in solidarity.
Many people left their homes and sought a safer environment, and we welcome them to Central Bedfordshire. The Homes for Ukraine scheme matches guests with sponsors who can offer accommodation, and we’re extremely grateful to all the residents who are part of the scheme. We continue to welcome enquiries from anyone who would like to join the scheme and can offer accommodation for an initial period of six months.
Donations
Visit the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) website for information.
Homes for Ukraine scheme
The Government has launched a scheme where UK residents can provide Ukraine refugees a home.
Individual sponsors will be asked to provide homes or a spare room rent-free for as long as they are able, with a minimum stay of 6 months. In return, they will receive £350 per month.
Further details, including how to register your interest are on the government's website.
You can find answers to frequently asked questions on the government's website too.
You can read the government's factsheet for Ukrainians explaining the scheme and advice for preparing to travel (also available in Ukrainian).
The government has also published advice about moving to the UK if you are Ukrainian.
If you hold a secure tenancy or a fixed-term tenancy with Central Bedfordshire Council, have a spare room you don’t use and want to take in a Ukrainian refugee, please contact your estates management officer to let them know by emailing neighbourhoodhousing@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
Read further information for housing tenants in a secure tenancy or fixed-term tenancy.
Information Ukrainian guests and sponsors
Please see our separate page for information and advice for guests and sponsors.
Translations and interpreters
The Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) is part of a task force to ensure that the Ukrainian refugees are supported with information about Translators and Interpreters. The task force will produce a set of Ukrainian-English templates for the most commonly needed documents for visa applications: birth and marriage certificates.
You can find information on the ITI's website dedicated to the crisis.
Managing your feelings
If you are feeling overwhelmed by what is happening in Ukraine, it's not surprising. It is completely normal to feel anxious about what is going on. There are tried and tested ways to deal with what you’re feeling.
- manage your exposure – take regular breaks from the news or social media. Put your phone in another room for a while and do something else. Set specific times when you will catch up on the news
- look after your body – physical activity is extremely valuable for managing your wellbeing as is eating well, drinking plenty of water and prioritising sleep
- connect with others – talk to others, share what’s on your mind. Talking can help put things into perspective and help us feel less isolated. It can be hard to reach out but talking to a trusted friend, colleague or family member is something we’d encourage you to try, however you can
If you don’t feel like there’s anyone you can talk to, there are organisations that you can turn to:
- Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service
- BLMK Wellbeing and Mental Health: free webinars on wellbeing, covering anxiety, stress and sleep
- Samaritans: Listening service, open 24 hours a day, on 116 123
- CALM: Helpline open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58
- KOOTH: Mental health support and advice for 11-19-year-olds, 365 days a year
- SHOUT: Text SHOUT to 85258 24/7 free text service for anyone in crisis
Council investments
Central Bedfordshire Council has no direct investments or contracts with any companies in Russia. We do not knowingly have any indirect investments either via contractors or invested funds. Company structures and investment portfolios are complex matters and detailed enquiries would need to be sent to those organisations concerned.