‘Homes for Ukraine’ and ideas for offering help

15 March 2022

As the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine unfolds, many of us are looking for ways that we can help.

Individuals, charities, community groups and business wishing to support the plight of refugees fleeing from the Russian invasion of Ukraine can now sign up to the Government’s ‘Homes for Ukraine‘ scheme. The scheme is still under development while the Government works with local authorities and the voluntary and community sector to shape how the progamme will be coordinated; with safety and support for refugees and sponsors at the forefront. For more information about the scheme see:

  • FAQs about the Homes for Ukraine scheme on the government website.
  • City of Sanctuary guidance on what to consider before applying to sponsor a refugee.
  • RESET are designing a process for matching refugees with families and welcome contact from organisations who would like to be involved.
  • To find out what local authorities are doing to support the scheme see this Guidance for councils. An updated version with more detail is due by the end of March.
  • Check the North Yorkshire County Council page for advice, resources and support for Ukrainians in North Yorkshire.

It may be that you aren’t in a position to offer a home to Ukrainian refugees but there are other ways to give your support, including:

  • Take a look at this Government guidance for charities and trustees on responding to the crisis in Ukraine.
  • Action for Communities in Rural England (ACRE) have produced this guide for village halls and community buildings wishing to support refugees being hosted in their communities.
  • Migration Yorkshire has a range of information on how you can contribute locally by donating money, offering housing, fostering, sponsorship and volunteering.
  • Harrogate & District Community Action (HADCA) has a list of local organisations in Harrogate and district who need your help with supporting refugees.
  • The GOV.UK website has a raft of useful information on how you can help.
  • The Disasters Emergency Committee, a coalition of 15 leading UK charities, has launched a collective appeal to provide emergency aid and rapid relief to civilians suffering during the conflict. Cash donations are encouraged as support can then be provided to those in need more quickly and effectively.
  • Join the City of Sanctuary UK for their online event (29 March) and hear about practical ways in which you can support and help refugees, including those fleeing from the war in Ukraine.
  • Read this blog from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) which gives ideas on how communities and charities can help – from donating money to how to support grassroots action.
  • Get in touch with your district or parish council, many of whom are organising housing for refugees.
  • If you have family and friends in Ukraine, or are impacted by this or anything else that is causing you concern, remember that resources are available from the NHS to support you.
  • You can also take a look at this blog from our Chief Executive, Jane Colthup on her thoughts for giving support.

Do make sure that, if you’re giving money, to ‘give safely’. Read this update from the Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator for advice.

Last updated 25 March 2022. For more updated information please see the Support for Ukraine page.