On this page you will find support and information for host families. This includes

• How to register with Suffolk County Council as a host
• Details of the county-wide closed Facebook group for hosts across Suffolk
• Link to the sponsor pack on SCC
• Link to Government information pack for guests
• Information and support with ending hosting and supporting guests to live independently

Visit the Suffolk County Council website for more information for Host Families

Facebook Group

We have set up a closed Facebook group for anyone in Suffolk who is currently hosting or who has registered to host. You can find and request to join the group using the link below

Together For Suffolk – Ukraine Support Group

For those new to or interested in hosting

Registering to host

Anyone interested in hosting can register directly with Suffolk Council by completing a simple form. You can find our more about hosting on their website here. If you have any queries about hosting you can contact the team at Suffolk County Council by emailing [email protected]

Welcome Information packs

Suffolk County Council have produced an information pack for hosts, which you can download here.

Welcome to Suffolk – Information pack for Homes for Ukraine Sponsors in Suffolk

The government have produced a guide to support refugees arriving in the UK.

Welcome: a guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK

For current hosts

Getting out and about

Once your guests are settled in they may be looking for local activities and clubs they can participate in or other local servcies. Suffolk Infolink is an online community directory of local services, activities and events.

You can find local bus timetables on the Suffolk Onboard website

For those living in rural areas you may be able to access community trransport in your area if there is no bus service. You can find out more on the Connected Communities website

Moving on

The time will come when either you need to end your hosting arrangement or your guests are ready to move on to live independently. You will need to inform Suffolk County Council by email once your guests move on and you are no longer hosting. You may also wish to host another family, and Suffolk County Council may also be able to help with this.

Part of the moving on process involves your guests becoming more independent. We have put together some information about how you can support their independence.

In preparation for your guests moving on you may also wish to explore these resources from Reset:

Suffolk County Council is offering a one-off Independent Living Payment (ILP) of £2,000 to Ukrainian guests who are part of the Homes For Ukraine Scheme. This is to support people who are leaving their host accommodation and moving into their own home. Specific criteria apply for this payment. You can find out more and apply for the payment on Suffolk County Council’s webpage.

Rehosting

Community Action Suffolk is unable to help with finding new hosts for guests.

Some options to find a new host are:

• post on Facebook groups that are local to the area where you wish to live and also in local Ukraine community Facebook groups. You can find details of these here.
• Look at the Government’s recognised provider list for approved matching services.

Once you have found a new host you need to inform Suffolk County Council. There is further information about rematching on their website here

Housing

Community Action Suffolk is unable to support with finding housing.

Guests should contact the District Council where they currently live to discuss what support is available in their area to find independent accommodation.

Babergh & Mid Suffolk: [email protected]

Ipswich: [email protected]

East Suffolk: [email protected] or call 0333 016 2000

West Suffolk: [email protected] or call 01284 757637

Some websites which might be helpful for guests who are looking for independent accommodation are:

Rightmove and Zoopla – for finding properties to let

Spareroom – for finding flat/houseshares and rooms to let

The Government have guidance about private renting which you can find on their website here.

Other sources of information and support

Suffolk Refugee Support are an independent charity in Suffolk who offer practical support to refugees.

Reset support, advise and guide people to welcome Ukrainian refugees and offer a matching service for the Homes for Ukraine scheme. They provide a lot of information about supporting your guests at different stages of their time in the UK, not just the arrivals process, but also when the time comes for ending hosting and moving on.