Below is information on local support for Ukrainian guests and their hosts. We’ve broken it down into relevant categories.
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Homes for Ukraine Council Tax scheme
A 50 per cent discount from your council tax will apply if you match all of the following criteria:
- You are a Ukrainian national
- You are in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme
- You are living in your own accommodation (not in a sponsors home)
Apply for a discount
To apply for a discount, please contact the council tax department providing the following details:
- address of the property
- date you moved in
- date the tenancy started
- full name of all adults living at the property
Please email us at havant.counciltax@secure.capita.co.uk or call the team on 023 9244 6019.
After you’ve applied
After you’ve applied, we will verify the information provided, confirm you are in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine scheme and will issue you with an updated bill.
If you’re on a low income, you may also be eligible for council tax reduction schemes.
Meeting other Ukrainians
Ukraine Connections – a chance to meet others for a friendly chat and a drink and find out about the library service
- Alton Library. Every Saturday 1-3pm
- Bordon Library. 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month 11am-12.30pm.
- Havant Library. Every Saturday 2-4pm.
- Hayling Island Library. Last Friday of every month, 1-3pm.
- Liphook Library. 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month 11am-12.30pm.
- Waterlooville Library. Every Saturday 2-4pm.
Hart Plain Church offers a space where Ukrainian refugees settling in the Waterlooville area can meet.
Mental health support
- Havant & East Hants Mind - Mental health support
- START - Trauma counselling from qualified counsellors
Advice
- Ukrainians Welcome
- Citizens Advice Havant - Meridian Centre, Monday-Friday between 10am-2pm. Outreach services are available in Waterlooville Library and Hayling Island Community Centre.
- Employment Plus, Salvation Army Hall, Petersfield - Wednesday 9.30am to 11.30am - for anyone looking for employment advice.
- Y Services - Mentoring for 16+ people looking to get back into education or work. Building confidence, skills, reducing barriers. Contact lorna@yservices.co.uk for further information.
English language lessons
- City of Portsmouth College, Highbury Campus - Adult beginner English classes, full and part time
- ESOL - Online language classes, resources and interpreting support. Courses are available at Havant and South Downs College.
- Ukraine-Alton Mutual Aid, Alton Community Centre - English lessons, craft classes, transport sharing and free day passes.
Exercise and fitness
- Clanfield Memorial Hall - Free places for refugees on exercise classes.
- Everyone Active (Alton, Petersfield, Whitehill & Bordon) - 12-months free leisure centre membership for Ukrainian refugees.
- Horizon Leisure Trust (Havant, Waterlooville) - Support and vouchers for Ukrainian families to use leisure centres for swimming/badminton etc.
Leisure
- A Space to Make at Making Space - Free weekly creative sessions for craft projects. Every Wednesday, 10am-12noon.
- Kings Arms, Petersfield - Youth activities for 11–18 year olds
- Open Door, Salvation Army - Thursday and Friday mornings 9.30-11.30am, meet up for coffee, and cake.
- Refresh, St Peters Church - Thursday morning 10am to 12pm, free coffee and cake.
- The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre - Free tickets to events at The Spring for Ukrainian, Afghan and Syrian refugees – on events programmed up until the end of August 2022. To book your free tickets, please call the box office on 023 9247 2700 or visit in person.
- Winton House, 1-2.30pm every Monday - Coffee and conversation