From displaced to safe - celebrating resettlement in Gloucestershire
Since 1 April 2022, Gloucestershire has welcomed over 1400 Ukrainian guests, including more than 280 school-aged children. While some have chosen to move on or go back to Ukraine, others have stayed and settled in the county. Currently there are 380 households hosting Ukrainian guests in Gloucestershire; opening their family homes to welcome those displaced by war.
Olena’s story
Olena is a mum to two daughters: a teenager and a six-year-old. Olena is in recovery from cancer and needs continuous treatment. Initially, they lived with a host in a rural area and unfortunately the only work available was physically demanding, like cleaning. The family asked to be rematched, and with support from Gloucestershire’s Homes for Ukraine team, now live with a family, in a more urban area.
The youngest daughter secured a place at a local school and Olena is being offered job roles which are less physical, helping her to look after her health. The new hosts have a family dog who has become a surprisingly therapeutic influence on Olena and her two girls. As well as a location that better meets their needs, Olena and her girls are living with a bigger family which is giving them even more opportunity to improve their English, learning how to cook new dishes.
The Homes for Ukraine scheme is not the only resettlement scheme Gloucestershire communities are supporting. Currently, Gloucestershire is committed to resettling 35 Afghan families under the governments Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), with 27 families currently resettled in the county. This means adults can get their lives back on track, while their children can flourish in welcoming and supportive local schools. There are also people being offered a safe place to live under the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme.
In addition to those from Ukraine and Afghanistan, a further 89 families (364 people) from Syrian have so far been supported to resettle in the county, under the Gloucestershire Refugee Resettlement Programme (GRRP).
All these schemes are being over-seen by the recently established Strategic Migration Partnership, made up of representatives from many of the public sector organisations in Gloucestershire. The partnership works with local charities and aid workers to establish local support as asylum seekers navigate their way to a safer environment to live in. They make sure asylum seekers get access to medical treatment, emotional support, and practical help, such as housing and clothes.
Cllr Mark Hawthorne, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council said: “It is only right that we help those far less fortunate than ourselves. These families have had their lives turned upside down and have likely lost most, if not all, of what they once owned. With all our partners, we will continue to support people who have been displaced.
“I’m hugely grateful to all of the staff and volunteers involved with welcoming those who resettle in the county and to the hundreds of hosts who have welcomed people from Ukraine into their homes; the scheme would not be able to help so many people without you.”
Could you become a host?
Gloucestershire Homes for Ukraine team is always looking for people who can offer a Ukrainian guest a safe place to stay under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. The team are looking for people who might have a second home, rental property, annex, or spare rooms anywhere in Gloucestershire. If you would be interested in supporting someone fleeing war for at least six months, please get in touch with the Homes for Ukraine team via hfuteam@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Currently, for the first six months of sponsorship, the host is able to claim a £350 monthly ‘thank you’ payment. This rises to £450 after six months and up to £500 after one year. An optional tax-free ‘thank you’ payment per sponsoring household, per month is also available to hosts who can accommodate one or more guests for up to two years.