Homes for Ukraine
Newark and Sherwood District Council continues to provide support and advice for people who are fleeing the war in Ukraine.
The schemes that were introduced by the Government in 2022 i.e. Homes for Ukraine, will continue to run but have now been replaced for any new visa allocations by the UPE (Ukraine Permission Scheme) which will replace all previous schemes from 2025. These include:
- Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine)
- Ukraine Family Scheme
- Ukraine Extension Scheme
If you are a Ukrainian resident who is eligible you should be contacted directly by the UK Government and can now apply 3 months before your current scheme ends. If you have any concerns please contact us on Resettlement@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk.
Ukraine Sponsorship scheme (Homes for Ukraine)
Could you open your door to those fleeing the war in Ukraine to offer them a home? Find more details and FAQs in different languages about the scheme on the Government website.
Apply for a Ukraine Family Scheme visa
Guidance for family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come to stay in the UK can be found on the Government website.
Welcome pack
Please use the link below to access the Welcome Packs that are now also available in Ukrainian and Russian for your guest(s).
Welcome Pack | Nottinghamshire County Council
Please ensure to notify Resettlement@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk once your guest(s) have arrived so a caseworker can contact you to arrange a safe and well visit.
Local sponsorship scheme
A new Government scheme will match people, charities, business and community groups to Ukrainians who do not have established families in the country, so they are able to come to the UK. Information on the scheme can be found on the Government website.
FAQ for sponsors
What are the next steps after accommodation visits are completed?
Sponsors should inform the District Council as soon as their guests have arrived to ensure an allocated caseworker can arrange a safe and well visit and support moving the sponsor and family forwards (if a caseworker has not already contacted the sponsor prior to guest arrival).
Will there be a get together for sponsors and guests?
The District Council will arrange future updates for sponsors and engagement events for guests. Further information to follow soon. Sponsors and local community groups are also looking to coordinate various engagement events and opportunities that we can look to promote/share with sponsors.
Will English lessons be available to guests?
English lessons or ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) will be available to guests as well as wider education and employment support. Ukrainians under the scheme are eligible for all mainstream education. Contact Resettlement@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk for information on local courses.
Can the District Council support with transport for guests from the airport to their host’s properties?
The District Council will provide advice on transport (from airport to guest accommodation). Sponsors should inform the District Council where transport support may be required in the first instance.
Should sponsors have had an accommodation visit yet?
The District Council require a property check before the arrival of guests and will attempt to make contact with all sponsors at least twice to arrange an accommodation visit. If sponsors have not yet had a visit or want to have a visit scheduled, please email Resettlement@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk as soon as possible. If there are significant changes to the guest accommodation or changes that impact the living arrangements of the guests, please let us know as a follow up accommodation check may be required.
How can I get a Biometric appointment?
A Biometric appointment can be booked online. The link to apply to extend a visa is as follows: Apply to stay in the UK under the Ukraine Extension Scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
When will the free bus pass be available please?
Nottinghamshire County Council/Nottingham City Transport have announced 6 months free travel pass for all arrivals via the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. County council will contact guests directly with logistical information. If guests have not received this they should contact Resettlement@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk. Your caseworker will ensure to inform Sponsors and Guests as soon as we receive any updates regarding bus passes.
Do Ukrainians need any driving lessons or can they get insurance with their Ukrainian driving license?
You can use your Ukrainian driving licence for the first 12 months after you arrive. You’ll then need to exchange it for a British licence.
Is there any support with computers/laptops for children reading/homework or for adults work?
Laptops are not currently funded through the scheme however, as we engage with Guests and Sponsors, we are capturing details of all support requests or areas where financial support may be most appropriately allocated locally and updating Nottinghamshire County Council. This helps to ensure a collaborative approach across Nottinghamshire and best use of the allocated scheme funding. We will ensure to inform Sponsors and Guests if there are changes to this.
Support available
We have received questions from residents wishing to help those in Ukraine. Below are a list of charities offering help and support whom you can contact:
International Rescue Committee
More information about support for families, donations, sponsorships and more can be found on the Nottinghamshire County Council website.
Newark and Sherwood Homes for Ukraine Sponsors Facebook group
Sponsors have set up their own Facebook group where they can discuss any common obstacles they are facing. Sponsors can join the Facebook group here.