Support for Ukraine

Havant Borough Council stands in unity and solidarity with the people of Ukraine at this time.

The Ukrainian flag is being flown outside the council offices to show Havant’s support for the nation following its invasion by Russia.

As always, the people of the Havant are coming forward in huge numbers to offer their help. We are keen to hear from any community groups that have been set up to help refugees find a home in this country so we can offer support and advice. Please let Havant Borough Council know by completing the following form.

If you have any questions regarding any of the schemes or information on this page, or require any support, please email ukrainesupporthav@havant.gov.uk.

How to become a sponsor

You can register your interest in the Homes for Ukraine Scheme (GOV.UK).

You will need to provide at least six months stable accommodation. This can be anything from an empty room to an unoccupied home, as long as it’s safe, heated and free from health hazards, and gives your guests adequate access to bathroom and kitchen facilities.

Finding someone to sponsor

The Government has published some frequently asked questions and answers on linking with a guest.

If you do not know anyone you could sponsor, there are charities, faith groups or local community organisations who are making connections between individuals. The Government has published a list of voluntary and community organisations running schemes to help match people coming to the UK from Ukraine with a sponsor.

Once you are matched with a Ukraine citizen or family, and the visa application is completed, the Home Office passes your information to Hampshire County Council.

The following poster shows the 6 steps to becoming a sponsor.

Your home visit

Hampshire County Council is working closely with a number of organisations to arrange visits to sponsors’ homes. There are several aspects to these visits, including an accommodation review and safety and wellbeing checks, as well as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. DBS checks are specified by Government as part of the necessary safeguarding process local authorities must follow to ensure that people and families arriving from Ukraine are safe.

Sponsors will be contacted by Hampshire County Council, usually by phone, to arrange a visit, as soon as possible after we receive formal notification from Government. 

Sponsors should expect more than one official representative to visit their homes. This is to ensure all the necessary checks can be undertaken as quickly as possible, with minimum inconvenience to sponsors. You will be advised on what documentation you need to have ready in advance.

The types of checks you can expect during your home visit include:

  • does the property appear to be in a reasonable state of cleanliness and repair?
  • are there appropriate sleeping arrangements for guests?
  • is there any indication of overcrowding?
  • is there an adequate kitchen and bathroom?
  • does the property have heating?
  • are gas appliances safe and gas safety checked?
  • are the electrics safe and working?
  • is there evidence of excessive damp and/or mould?
  • are there locks on windows and doors at entry level?
  • can you move around safely in the property?

Fire safety:

  • is there a working smoke detector on each floor?
  • is the property fire safe in the opinion of the Fire and Rescue Service?
  • is there a working carbon monoxide detector in any room containing a solid fuel burning appliance (e.g. coal fire or wood burning stove etc)?

Health and wellbeing

To support Ukrainian guests, all vulnerable adults, children and young people will be assessed for any immediate physical and mental health needs as part of the first contact visit. Arrangements for the appropriate follow-up support will then be put in place by health and care professionals.

Financial support for you

You will receive a thank you payment of £350 per month (for up to 12 months) paid in arrears direct to your bank account. Hampshire County Council will write to you to let you know how they will gather your information in order to process your payments, which start once all relevant home visit checks have been completed and your guests have arrived. If you encounter any issues in receiving these payments, please contact childrens.services@hants.gov.uk.

It is your responsibility to inform Hampshire County Council when sponsorship arrangements end, or if circumstances change. 

Financial support for your guest

The Government has set this as an interim payment of £200 per person arriving from Ukraine to help with everyday living expenses. Ukrainian guests will be issued with pre-loaded payment cards, given out during a second home visit which takes place once your guests have arrived.

The Government has confirmed that guests arriving under the scheme will also be able to apply for benefits and to seek and take up employment while staying in England.

Supporting children and young people

Home visits involving families with children will usually involve a member of Hampshire County Council's Early Help team.

These individuals have specialist skills and are very well placed to assess and advise on the support available for children and young people.

Ukrainian children will be able to attend school or college while they are living in Hampshire. This will be discussed during the home visit.

If you are currently hosting, or are expecting to host, children or young people, see our guidance on how to apply for a school place.

For guest aged 16 to 18, a list of training providers in Hampshire can be found online. If your guest would like support to apply, please email Hampshire County Council skills.participation@hants.gov.uk.

For guests aged 19 and over, funded English language and adult learning courses are offered by local colleges and Hampshire County Council. Details of courses are available via the National Careers Service.

Welcome pack for Ukrainians arriving in the UK

The UK Government has produced a welcome pack for Ukrainians arriving in the UK.

The guide includes information on what Ukrainians need to know in the first few days, getting used to life in the UK including how to find a home, access to essential public services, healthcare, finding work and childcare and education services.

It also includes specific information for those arriving on the Homes for Ukraine scheme.