HOST A REFUGEE
"Hosting Ukrainian families in the community here in Elmbridge has been a profound experience for those who have done it. Opening up a home and welcoming others into the family takes courage but it is also a hugely rewarding experience."
- extract from Tetiana's and Olena's Stories
There is an urgent need for hosts for Ukrainians who are currently in Elmbridge but who need to move on from their current accommodation, particularly for those families who need more than one bedroom. If you would like to find out more about how the scheme works see Homes for Ukraine: record your interest - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Olena's and Tetiana's Stories
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‘I’d been thinking about it for a while and I was in the lucky position of having space,’ Diane continues. ‘I had followed the war in the news and had been in touch with Elmbridge Council to say I’d be interested in having somebody. I had a phone call one day and I was introduced to these three people.
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A mile away in Oatlands, Cathy and Bob have two dogs at their home – Maisie and Lola - and the bustle of more footsteps through the door when Olena, Nikita and Mike arrived in September 2022 has been one of the many positives of this extended family."
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A mile away in Oatlands, Cathy and Bob have two dogs at their home – Maisie and Lola - and the bustle of more footsteps through the door when Olena, Nikita and Mike arrived in September 2022 has been one of the many positives of this extended family."
"In a time of crisis, no one can afford to do nothing..."
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Lesia, one of our volunteers, hosted a Ukrainian family here in Elmbridge: "Hosting a family has been so rewarding – from the joyous sight of Peppa Pig on my staircase when our family ‘baby’ is at A-Levels, to sharing experiences, food and culture and helping them learn English.
There are incredible resources in our community – from Brooklands College, where many newcomers take lessons, to our local job centre, which helps them with employment and benefits – so widespread support is available for anyone who hosts" Read more |
Credit: copyright ElmbridgeCAN
MORE HOSTING STORIES
Read our full interview with Bryony and Steve's story about what it's like to host a refugee.
Read our full interview with Bryony and Steve's story about what it's like to host a refugee.
Information about Hosting
If you are considering hosting and would like an informal chat about how things work and the support that we can offer hosts and guests please contact Jeannie. You would get the chance to meet prospective guests before making any commitment and you would be well supported by Elmbridge CAN, other community organisations and an extensive network of hosts.
If you are considering hosting, you might be interested in this 'Hosting Good Practice Guide' produced by NAACOM.
Article on Tips for Host from "Homes for Ukraine"
If you are already hosting a Ukrainian refugee please do check out our Get Support page for some very useful Ukraine-related links about supporting and culture etc.
Unfortunately we are not able to look for host matches for Ukrainians living outside Elmbridge as we are a small charity.
Other organisations who might be able to help are:
RESET resetuk.org - a larger national organisation which is helping the government with matching Ukrainian refugees, in addition to their original remit of hosting other refugee nationalities.
Refugees At Home - refugeesathome.org - a small UK-based organisation that connects people with a spare room in their home with asylum-seekers and refugees (of any nationality) in need of accommodation.
Room For Refugees - roomforrefugees.com - as above.
Hope at Home - www.hopeathome.org.uk - the only hosting scheme specifically for survivors of modern slavery in the UK. They have a particular need for hosts in the South East based on current demand.
If you are considering hosting and would like an informal chat about how things work and the support that we can offer hosts and guests please contact Jeannie. You would get the chance to meet prospective guests before making any commitment and you would be well supported by Elmbridge CAN, other community organisations and an extensive network of hosts.
If you are considering hosting, you might be interested in this 'Hosting Good Practice Guide' produced by NAACOM.
Article on Tips for Host from "Homes for Ukraine"
If you are already hosting a Ukrainian refugee please do check out our Get Support page for some very useful Ukraine-related links about supporting and culture etc.
Unfortunately we are not able to look for host matches for Ukrainians living outside Elmbridge as we are a small charity.
Other organisations who might be able to help are:
RESET resetuk.org - a larger national organisation which is helping the government with matching Ukrainian refugees, in addition to their original remit of hosting other refugee nationalities.
Refugees At Home - refugeesathome.org - a small UK-based organisation that connects people with a spare room in their home with asylum-seekers and refugees (of any nationality) in need of accommodation.
Room For Refugees - roomforrefugees.com - as above.
Hope at Home - www.hopeathome.org.uk - the only hosting scheme specifically for survivors of modern slavery in the UK. They have a particular need for hosts in the South East based on current demand.