Over 250 Ukrainian refugees are now living in Northumberland and the county council has been working alongside local communities, charities and host families to ensure when families arrive, they have the support they need and feel truly welcome. 
 

So far, over 120 warm hearted householders have offered a safe home to people fleeing the war-torn country, under the government’s ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme. 
 

Dozens more refugees are expected to arrive in the county over the coming weeks and months as more Visa applications are approved 

This is the largest resettlement programme the authority has helped to co-ordinate having recently led the response to calls from Government to house Afghan refugees. 
 

The county council has an experienced Asylum Seeker & Refugee Team, skilled in supporting refugees, helping them to settle into life in the UK and working with those who have experienced war and trauma.  This team have been supporting both the hosts and the Ukranian refugees to access the services they may need and provide them with both practical help and a warm welcome. 
 

Philip Soderquest, director of housing and public protection at Northumberland County Council said: 

“The Ukrainian refugees have fled their homes with few possessions and often leaving loved ones behind. It is a heart-breaking and traumatic situation for them.  
 

“It’s vital that they are settled into safe and supportive environments here in Northumberland and we’re doing all we can to make sure the process runs as quickly and smoothly as possible. 
 

“As part of the scheme, Government has asked councils and other agencies to take on tasks such as carrying out safeguarding checks, administering emergency payments of £200 to refugees and national £350 a month ‘thank you’ payments to host families – also known as sponsors. We’ve also helped to secure school places for arriving children and young people and are giving advice on how to access other services such as healthcare or welfare benefits. “ 
 

Northumberland County Councillor, Colin Horncastle, cabinet member for community services added:  

“We cannot begin to understand what the refugees have been through, but this council and our local communities are doing everything we can to help them by providing them with friendship, stability, security and support.” 
 

“We’ve been working in close partnership with services including education, health, counselling and voluntary and community groups to support the refugees and their host families. There is a lot of good work going on behind the scenes which has been greatly appreciated by all those involved.  
 

“Once again Northumberland residents have responded with generosity and kindness.  So many people have helped in so many ways. Hundreds of tonnes of aid have also been transported to the Ukraine following generous donations from residents across the county, and of course thousands of others have made monetary donations to help dedicated charities with their relief effort. “ 

Schools have been working together with the council to continue the education for young refugees and to ensure they are settled in the school system. 

The English as an Additional Language (EAL) Team have created and collated a wide range of resources for Ukrainian refugees aimed at children, families, professionals and host families.  
 

There is also support for early years and post-16 young people when they arrive.   
 

The council has up to date information on its website containing all the latest guidance and information for Northumberland residents who want to help, through donations or offers of accommodation. Further details can be found at:  nland.cc/Ukraine