Salisbury celebrates Independence Day of Ukraine
More hosts for Ukrainian guests are still needed
Salisbury is celebrating the Independence Day of Ukraine today (Thursday 24th August) in the Market Place.
We’re invited by Salisbury City Council to share in the celebrations.
Between 11am and 3pm, we can experience authentic Ukranian cuisine, unique souvenirs and masterclasses to immerse ourselves in Ukrainian culture.
Amid the celebrations, Wiltshire Council is calling for more hosts for Ukrainian’s fleeing the country that is still at war with Russia.
Wiltshire has already welcomed 1503 Ukrainian guests into the county, using the Homes for Ukraine scheme, making it one of the top authorities in England for taking in Ukrainian nationals.
1500 households originally registered for the scheme in Wiltshire, however the current number is 708, but guests from Ukraine are still arriving in the county and others moving on from their original host families need rematching.
Cash from the Local Authority Housing Fund is being used to buy homes for Ukrainian families, with 19 purchases completed so far.
Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council says there’s a particular need for hosts in Salisbury.
“We received many offers of support from Wiltshire residents willing to provide homes for Ukraine people when the Homes for Ukraine scheme first began last year.
“We are also reaching out to landlords in the private sector who may have any available property that they would be willing to rent out to a Ukrainian household. Many households we are working with are financially independent and can self-fund the upfront costs into the private rented sector however, for those households who need our support, we can assist with the deposit and rent in advance for a property, pending an assessment being conducted.
People interested in registering as a host can do so here.