Suffolk County Council appeals for more families to host Ukrainian refugees
They're looking for new people to host arrivals from Ukraine
Last updated 30th Oct 2022
There's a call for more families in Suffolk to open up their homes to host Ukrainian families.
Suffolk County Council is looking for space for people as part of the Homes For Ukraine scheme, as many of the original sponsors have now been hosting families for six months,
Not all hosts are able to continue offering accomodation and not all guests are ready to move on to privately rented accommodation.
There's a need for spaces for single adults, mums with children and larger families.
Areas in particular need of new hosts are Bury St Edmunds, Felixstowe, Haverhill, Ipswich and Lowestoft.
The local council is holding four drop in sessions in the next few weeks for people can find out more about the support available.
Councillor Bobby Bennett, from Suffolk County Council, said:
“We are extremely grateful to those who are able to continue to provide invaluable support to families beyond the initial six-month period, however we fully understand that some will be unable to, due to changes in their circumstances in this time.
"Supporting a person or family fleeing conflict is no mean feat and it cannot be underestimated how much of a difference this makes to their lives.
“If you think you can help, or know of anybody who could, please get in touch, or attend one of the drop-in sessions to find out more.”
Christine Abraham, Chief Executive of Community Action Suffolk, said:
“Providing community support for hosts of Ukrainian guests over the past few months has been a key role for Community Action Suffolk and is something we are extremely passionate about.
"We continue to provide much valued access to support and information for hosts, and importantly, access to social opportunities to get to know and share experiences with other hosts in their local areas; but we also need to find more people willing to provide these safe spaces for Ukrainian guests.
"We are now working with Suffolk County Council to coordinate 4 specific sessions for those considering becoming a host so they can find out more – do come along and meet the teams, we look forward to seeing you."
Drop in session will be held as follows:
2/11/22 - The Centre, Bury St Edmunds - 12:30pm - 2:30pm
8/11/22 - Ipswich Cornhill, Ipswich - 11:30am - 1:30pm
9/11/22 - The Kirkley Centre, Lowestoft - 3pm - 5pm
11/11/22 - Felixstowe URC, Felixstowe - 12:30pm - 2:30pm