Lancashire Council has thanked local residents for opening their homes to Ukrainians fleeing the war with Russia.
AdvertisementHundreds of people across the county have provided a lifeline to families and individuals from Ukraine through the UK Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.
As of 19 May, 445 Lancashire sponsors matched with 895 people via the scheme, with 337 having now arrived in the county.
Read more: Ukrainian nationals settling into life in Preston and Lancashire
County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, the leader of Lancashire County Council, has given her heartfelt thanks to residents for their generosity and kindness.
County Councillor Williamson said: “Lancashire has a proud history of helping others in their time of need.
“When the people of Lancashire were asked if they could help those suffering in Ukraine, thousands came forward without hesitation.
“Through this generosity and kindness, the government has been able to find homes for hundreds of people who desperately need one – on behalf of everyone at Lancashire County Council, thank you.
“Lancashire stands united with the people of Ukraine, and I am pleased to hear our new arrivals are settling into their new lives.”
Read more: Ribbleton van workshop supplies armoured truck to help Ukraine aid effort
The scheme is led by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the Home Office.
The Lancashire Refugee Integration Team and Lancashire Resilience Forum are working together to coordinate the Lancashire-wide response, including accessing healthcare, welfare and schools.
The Homes for Ukraine Scheme, which launched in March, encourages the public to offer rooms in their houses to families and individuals from Ukraine.
Read more: Council units in Avenham to be let for free to charitable organisation helping Ukraine
Support is provided to sponsors and their guests from various organisations.
Following their arrival in Lancashire, sponsors and their guests receive a Lancashire-specific Sponsors Handbook and a Guests Handbook.
The Integration Team is hosting a series of online webinars to help guests settle into their new lives.
Read more: Ribbleton van workshop prepares vans to take aid into Ukraine
The county council has worked with district councils and community groups to develop integration activities.
For more information, visit: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/council/ukraine
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