A new webpage has been set up to provide information and support for Somerset households who have volunteered to sponsor Ukrainian refugees.

Somerset County Council is working with Mendip, Sedgemoor, Somerset West and Taunton and South Somerset District Councils, the Somerset NHS Clinical Commissioning Group, Avon and Somerset Police, and local charities and community groups to help both sponsors and refugees.

Those arriving from Ukraine are likely to need access to a range of services – from health and transport to schools and nursery places. It’s a fast-moving situation and the initial priority is to identify local sponsors, carry out checks and help Ukrainian people settle safely in Somerset.

The new webpage can be found at www.somerset.gov.uk/Ukraine. This includes a digital form which should be completed by sponsors who are matched with refugees. This will help local services to carry out the checks sponsors need to safely welcome their guests.

On the webpage you will also find information on other ways Somerset residents can support Ukraine, with links to local and national charities and helplines.

Somerset households who are considering sponsoring a refugee need to initially apply via the national government website, following this process:

• Register your interest at www.gov.uk/homes-for-ukraine

• If you wish to be matched to a Ukrainian individual or family, you can register here .

• The sponsor or the refugee fills out the single visa application form online using both parties’ details. You can find more information here.
• Details on the location of the proposed accommodation from the application is passed to Somerset County Council from the Home Office.    
• After the application is submitted, security checks are done on both the sponsor, all other adults in the sponsor’s household, and the refugee.
• To help us carry out the necessary checks and to support the needs of the person or family you are sponsoring, you will need to fill out this form.
• Once the Home Office issues the refugee with a permit to travel, sponsors must support them to co-ordinate their arrival.

The council provides welcome arrangements for refugees, including things like health and school places and settling people in.