East Devon calls for more refugee hosts on first anniversary of war in Ukraine

Today marks the one year anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine and East Devon is calling for more than 50 new host families to provide refugees with safe homes.

Vulnerable women, children, families and elderly people hoping to escape war-torn Ukraine require your help as part of the UK government's Homes for Ukraine scheme.

If you have a spare room, annex, Airbnb, a house or any form of accommodation you are willing to offer to Ukrainian guests seeking sanctuary, you will receive £500 a month in thank you payments.

Pet-friendly households are especially appreciated for families who escaped with their beloved animals, such as cats and dogs.

Hosts are especially needed in Exmouth and areas close to Exeter such as Cranbrook, Broadclyst and Ottery St Mary, as well as further afield in key towns including Sidmouth, Honiton, Seaton and Axminster.

East Devon District Council's (EDDC) Environmental Health team carry out home inspections and take particular care to make sure guests and hosts are well matched.

The EDDC team also provide follow up support for hosts and Ukrainian guests, including guidance on applying for Universal Credit, finding a job, debt management, registering with schools and doctors, as well as promoting events to warmly integrate them into the community.

Cllr Paul Arnott, leader of the council, said: "We hope that all our Ukrainian guests are settling into East Devon well, and are proud that so many of East Devon's householders are welcoming them with open arms.

"It has been a tremendous honour to be part of EDDC's response to this awful human tragedy. We are visiting each household and hearing not just the terrible stories of how people arrived here from Ukraine, but also stories of kindness and generosity that they have experienced."

More than 300 refugees are currently hosted in East Devon. If you would like to learn more about being a host, register your interest in a questions and answer session by emailing [email protected]

To register your interest in an online information session for potential hosts on March 26, 6pm to 7.30pm, contact [email protected]

To find out more information about helping Ukrainian guests or to express your interest in being a host please visit www.eastdevon.gov.uk/ukraine-support