More than 900 Ukrainians have been welcomed to Staffordshire homes since the start of the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.
As the scheme marks its one-year anniversary today (Tuesday), Staffordshire County Council is thanking sponsors who have selflessly opened their homes to Ukrainians in need.
Nearly 500 Staffordshire residents have generously given accommodation to residents of Ukraine, who fled their country after the Russian invasion.
Around 600 Ukrainians remain in the scheme, with 300 others either moving back to Ukraine or securing alternative accommodation.
Some, such as Olena and Kateryna, have managed to secure jobs in the county. The pair have secured full-time jobs at Staffordshire County Council in their Business Executive Support Team and Adult Social Care departments.
The Homes for Ukraine scheme in Staffordshire is administered by the county council alongside district and borough councils, health, education and the voluntary sector.
And, over the past year the county council has put a dedicated resettlement team in place to deal with the Homes for Ukraine scheme and other asylum matters.
County Councillor Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities said: “Our sponsors are brilliant, and we want to give them a heartfelt thanks for selflessly offering accommodation to our Ukrainian friends. It is clear the war will not end any time soon, so as we enter year two of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, I want to thank each and every one of them for their continued generosity.
“The success of the scheme in Staffordshire is also down to the hard work of our staff and our partners, who have been working often in addition to their normal roles to get this scheme off the ground safely and efficiently, and ensure the ongoing welfare of our guests.
“It is clear that the war in Ukraine will not end any time soon, so we are always after more sponsors to come forward. The gov.uk website has lots of helpful information on becoming a sponsor and what is involved so if you are considering it, find out more and see how you can help.”
Anyone who wants to be a sponsor can visit www.gov.uk/homesforukraine for more information.
