Norfolk man signs up to take in Ukrainian family
More than 120,000 individuals and organisations have expressed interest in taking in Ukrainian refugees, so far
Last updated 17th Mar 2022
We've been speaking to a man from Norfolk who's one of many to have signed up to take in a Ukrainian family coming to the UK.
More than 120,000 individuals and organisations across the country have expressed an interest in taking in Ukrainian refugees, according to the Government, after the 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme came into effect on Monday.
James Harvey lives in Salhouse near Norwich: "It struck me a couple of weeks ago just how many people were homeless because of the war in Ukraine and on-going crises across the world, there's people being forced out their home due to the climate crisis, war and other pressures.
"I thought, hang on, I've got a three bedroom house, I've got the opportunity to help some people out why don't I do that? I think now is the time to help these people who really need it".
WATCH: Our reporter Tom Clabon went to meet James at his home in Salhouse, where he hopes to soon welcome a Ukrainian refugee...
He went on to say that he knows a whole host of people who have also signed up the 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme: "I've have several friends who are taking the same action as me from around the country that I've been talking to.
"In fact we've just set up a Facebook group to discuss how we can best help these people. The reaction has been largely positive I think and I've also been surprised at how difficult it is for refugees to get into the country in the first place, whether they be from Ukraine or somewhere else".
He's happy the Government are making an effort, but fears there's gaps and shortfalls in the current system and believes they should go further: "How are Ukrainian refugees suppose to sign up to an Visa online when they don't necessarily have internet access, understand what they are supposed to be filling in or the documents they need for it?
"I don't know. Other countries like Sweden don't have these problems, I've got friends there who have already got refugees in their house and have been able to welcome them with no problems whatsoever.
"I just don't understand why the Government make it so hard for people.
"They need to drop Visa requirements straight away, really support refugees charities like 'Home for Refugees' that are already doing work to match people up to houses.
"Also, get support networks in place to get people over here and once they are here do things like free buses, free trains, that's happening in other countries.
"Also, free access to museum so these people can perhaps take some leisure time and recover from the horrors they have seen in Ukraine".
The Home Office say the 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme is generous and fair to both Ukrainian and British families and that checks must be maintained on who's arriving to the country.