I have collated all useful information and community support for people hosting Ukrainian families. I have been supporting many British hosts throughout their first challenging few weeks of hosting their Ukrainian family. Hopefully the below information is of some use and can provided helpful insight. Please don't hesitate to get in touch via me via email to raise any issues.
Language
ESOL classes in the Vale - They run weekly out of Barry Library. Assessments to attend the classes are done every Friday. It's advised you make an appointment as soon as you can and the classes will be free. When you attend the assessment you will need proof of ID, this can be a passport or your visa letter. Call 01446 736466 or email: vlc@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
GPs
Ukrainians who are being received by local families are advised to register with a local GP as soon as possible. Practices are able to access the appropriate interpretation services, which is funded by the Health Board. Details of these patients are then passed onto CAVHIS (Cardiff and Vale Health Inclusion Service) by the practice who will undertake the appropriate screening for certain health conditions. Ongoing general medical services will be provided by local practices. Patients are supported by the British Red Cross providing support regarding matters such as accessing GPs, dentists, opticians, problems with accommodation, access to local educational classes and activities. Their support workers are based in CAVHIS. Information is given to new arrivals via the Ukraine family scheme/individual sponsorship scheme by the support worker. This includes information on how to register with a GP and informing them of their rights to register.
Hosts are advised to pick up registration forms (GMS1W form) from their local GP surgery in advance of their guests arriving and to complete these as soon as their guests arrive.
Link to Cardiff and Vale UHB info: https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/patient-advice/supporting-those-affected-by-the-crisis-in-ukraine/
Registering for Schools
In the first instance, email the Council at: ukrainiansupport@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk as soon as possible. Where a school place is required, they should contact admissions@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk to request an application form. On receipt, this application will be passed immediately to the Vulnerable Groups Manager within the Directorate of Learning and Skills in order to ensure that all essential entry and health screening checks have been completed and support and advice is given to the family. Once all appropriate checks have been confirmed, the admissions team, and the school will liaise with the family to agree a start date as soon as possible.
DBS checks
DBS checks are needed for each member of your household aged 16 plus. The DBS support team can be contacted via customerservices@dbs.gov.uk, by phone on 03000 200 190, for Welsh speaking customers via 03000 200 191, and Minicom 03000 200 192.
You will also have a visit from the Shared Regulatory Team (SRS) to complete a property assessment.
Payments
Each member of your Ukrainian household will be entitled to a payment of £200, which can be collected from the Civic Offices Cashier Desk on a Tuesday or a Thursday between 10am and 2pm, following a post arrival check. The Vale of Glamorgan need to issue a letter to confirm that the household has arrived in order for the family to collect this payment so it is important that you let them know when they arrive. The Ukrainian household will also need to take their passport and visa when they collect these payments.
Payments of £350 per month are available to sponsors following the host checks and completed DBS check being received by the local authority. These are paid in arrears and more information will follow in respect of this during the host visits.
Universal Credit
Ukrainian guests will be entitled to public funds and may be entitled to Universal Credit. Please access the following link for more information: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/immediate-benefit-support-for-those-fleeing-the-invasion-in-ukraine
Please note once you’ve applied for Universal Credit then your NI number will be issued automatically afterwards.
Train and Bus Travel
The National Rail Network and Transport for Wales is offering free travel to all our Ukrainian guests. The Welcome Ticket will cover the majority of bus services running in Wales. All is required is a passport as proof, but we are enquiring as to whether free passes can be applied for so that passports are not required to be carried.
Other services
CAB – Citizens Advice Bureau – please do contact them for free advice by visiting:
https://www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/en/living/Citizens-Advice-Bureau.aspx
or Tel: 0344 477 2020
Producers’ Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT) will be producing a free YouTube channel that will provide displaced Ukrainian children with TV shows in their own language. The intention is that the channel comprises original Ukrainian and British children’s programmes, dubbed into Ukrainian, that can be accessed by displaced Ukrainian families wherever they may be and on any device. Children’s content will be prioritised in the first instance.
National Trust - All Ukrainian guests, living with an active National Trust member can receive a free 6-month admission pass. The pass is renewable, provides entry to National Trust places and covers all accompanying children under the age of 18. If you would like to receive a pass, please contact the Supporter Services team on 0344 800 1895.
Cadw – Free access to all Cadw sites throughout Wales.
Youth Clubs - All Ukrainian youngsters will receive a warm welcome at both Wick & Colwinston Youth Clubs.
Colwinston Youth Club – Email: Colwinstonyouthclub@hotmail.com
Facebook - Colwinston Youth Club
Wick Youth Club – Email: wickyouthclub@live.co.uk
Facebook - Wick Youth Club Vale of Glamorgan (include Vale of Glamorgan or it will bring up Wick, Scotland)
Facebook Community Pages for support and information exchange
- Vale of Glamorgan – Homes for Ukraine Refugees
- Ukrainians in Barry & the Vale of Glamorgan
- Llantwit Major Ukrainian Hosts
- Ukrainians in Barry Host and Guest support
General Information
Sponsors in Wales can call the free helpline on 0808 175 1508 for advice.
