Local authorities are working with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to help the people of Ukraine. Cannock Chase Council continues to fly the flag of Ukraine from its Civic Centre in Cannock and the former Leader of the Council, Councillor Olivia Lyons, wrote a letter to Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom expressing solidarity with his people on behalf of the Council when the war began. We also work closely with Staffordshire County Council when it comes to receiving people from Ukraine given permission to come and live in our county and the District.
Helpful information for Staffordshire
A website we recommended, particularly for sponsors to use, is the County Council's Homes for Ukraine pages at Staffordshire Connects
Supporting Refugees
Financial Donations
Residents wishing to make a financial donation can do so through a number of charities providing humanitarian relief in Ukraine. Residents can donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal by visiting the Donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal. Residents donating to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal will help DEC charities provide food, water, shelter and healthcare to refugees and displaced families. There are lots of other organisations across the UK and internationally who have launched appeals, and residents may wish to donate through these organisations instead of the Disasters Emergency Committee . There are some simple steps residents can take to ensure their money is safe and being used effectively, including:
- Checking the charity’s name and registration number using the search the charity register
- Most charities with an income of £5,000 or more must be registered, which means they are regulated by The Charity Commission
- Make sure the charity is genuine before giving any financial information
- If in doubt, ask the charity or organisation for more information
Donating Essential Supplies
One of the best ways to help is by donating cash through trusted charities and aid organisations, rather than donating goods. Cash can be transferred quickly to areas where it is needed and individuals, and aid organisations, can use it to buy what is most needed. Unsolicited donations of goods, although well-meant, can obstruct supply chains and delay more urgent life-saving assistance from getting through. Organisations across the UK are gathering essential supplies, such as clothes, first aid and sanitary products. Many charities and community groups will have lists of items they need. Charities with experience of responding to disasters are best placed to reach victims on the ground. The Home Office and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities are encouraging financial donations where possible.
Welcoming Refugees
Payment on arrival
A one-off £200 payment is available to each refugee settling in Cannock Chase District. Payment can only be made when the guest has arrived in this country as Cannock Chase Council, who are responsible for making the payments, needs to check identification before making the payments. Guests from the Ukraine in need of the payment shouldn't hesitate to contact supportservices@cannockchasedc.gov.uk.
Ukraine Family Scheme Visa
Guidance for family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come to or stay in the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme can be found here. The Ukraine Family Scheme allows family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come to or stay in the UK.
Local Sponsorship Scheme for Ukraine
The Government has announced plans for a new sponsorship scheme for Ukrainians without any family ties to the UK. The scheme will allow sponsors, such as communities, private sponsors or local authorities, to bring those forced to flee Ukraine to the UK. There will be no limit on this scheme and we will welcome as many Ukrainians as wish to come and have matched sponsors. Those who come under this scheme will also be granted leave for an initial period of 12 months and able to work and access public services. The Government will work closely with international partners and neighbouring countries on the scheme to ensure that displaced Ukrainians are supported to apply. They will also make sure that those who want to sponsor an individual or family can volunteer and be matched quickly with Ukrainians in need, working closely with the devolved administrations and local authorities across the country. Further details on the scheme for people will be published soon, including information on how people and organisations in the UK can apply to be sponsors
Meet and Greet
Cannock Chase Council has arranged a series of monthly Meet and Greet sessions at Cannock Chase Council's Civic Centre at Beecroft Road, Cannock until December 2022. They are an opportunity for refugees from Ukraine and their host families to meet up, chat and form friendships. They are also a chance to gain information, support and advice. Dates for the sessions are in the attached leaflet.