Support for Ukraine

Our thoughts are with all those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.

County Durham is a welcoming and inclusive place. We are doing all we can to offer our support to the people of Ukraine and anyone living in our area who has links to the country.

How you can help

There are several different ways you can support the humanitarian support effort in response to the crisis in Ukraine.

Government schemes to help Ukrainians fleeing conflict to come to the UK

The government has launched two schemes to support Ukrainians to come to the UK.

Ukraine Family Scheme

The Gov.uk: Apply for a Ukraine Family Scheme visa allows family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come to or stay in the UK. It is a free scheme and people coming to the UK through this scheme will be able to live, work and study in the UK and access public funds. We have produced a guide to give information on how the scheme works and advice for people arriving from the Ukraine on how to access services and support:

The government regularly updates information and advice on Gov.uk: immigration information for Ukrainians in the UK, British nationals and their family members.

Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme

The Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme offers a route to individuals and families who want to come to the UK who have someone here willing to provide them with a home. It enables individuals to volunteer accommodation and provide a route to safety for those forced to escape their homeland. Sponsors should provide accommodation for as long as they are able, but there is a minimum expectation of six months.

If you wish to become a sponsor through this scheme please register on Gov.uk: Homes for Ukraine - record your interest.

If you are thinking about becoming a sponsor, Reset Communities and Refugees: Homes for Ukraine is providing resources to help potential sponsors make informed decisions. Reset has also developed a Homes for Ukraine sponsor toolkit which you can access at Reset: Homes for Ukraine sponsor toolkit.

Information to help you in your decision-making is also available at:

Linking with someone from the Ukraine to sponsor them

There is presently no formal process within the scheme for sponsors to connect with prospective guests.

The government has published a list of Gov.uk: recognised providers - organisations who can help UK citizens become sponsors.

Helping someone in Ukraine find a sponsor

The government has published a list of Recognised Providers - charities who can help match people from Ukraine with UK sponsors at Gov.uk: Recognised providers - organisations who can help UK citizens become sponsors.

Weekly sessions for sponsors

Sponsors can attend free weekly online drop-ins with others who have taken in Ukrainian guests.

North East Churches Acting Together holds sessions every Monday from 6.00pm to 7.00pm, to allow people to chat to others going through a similar experience, and to provide a forum for advice and support.

The drop-ins are also open to anyone thinking about taking in Ukrainians.

Anyone interested in attending can register at Eventbrite - Homes for Ukraine Host Drop-in.

Guidance for charities and trustees

The situation in Ukraine is changing rapidly. The government recognises the complex challenge this poses for charities responding to the crisis at home or abroad and has developed Gov.uk: Ukraine humanitarian crisis - guidance for charities and trustees.

Make a donation

Donating cash through trusted organisations enables them to act quickly and effectively; monies can be transferred rapidly to places and people who need it, and aid organisations can use it to buy the most important resources, often purchasing from more local sources.

If you wish to make a cash donation to support those affected by the current situation, the Disasters Emergency Committee brings together a wide range of organisations working to provide support where it is needed. You can donate online at Disasters and Emergency Committee: Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.