West Berkshire families come forward to help home Ukrainian refugees

Around 50 families have come forward in West Berkshire to host Ukrainian refugees.

West Berkshire Council says it is working through the list and checking the homes on offer for ‘reasonable standards’.

None of the Ukrainians have arrived in the district as yet, as the council says visa administration is causing delays.

“We currently have sufficient resources for this number of people.” explained WBC chief executive Nigel Lynn.

“But it is like the Covid situation really in that we cannot fully predict demand. We don’t know how many people will come forward.”

He said Ukrainian nationals were now being ‘matched’ with homes in West Berkshire, all in private rather than council accommodation.

“We are undertaking suitability and safeguarding checks so we can make their arrival as seamless as possible,” Mr Lynn added.

“We realise they will have undergone significant trauma.”

Voluntary sector groups, Greenham Trust and the district council have held talks to coordinate needs and resources once the people arrive from the worn-torn country.

Council staff who were working in the Covid Support Hub have been switched to the Ukrainian Support Hub, which has £50k set aside from both the council and Greenham Trust.

Anyone interested in offering a home can phone (01635) 503579 or email ukraine@westberks.gov.uk.