How you can help and support the people of Ukraine.
Contents
Overview
The Russian attack on Ukraine has caused the displacement of many tens of thousands of Ukrainian people from their homes and marked the onset of what could be the largest humanitarian crisis in Europe for decades.
We stand in support of the Ukrainian people who are bravely resisting this unprovoked and brutal act of war.
We understand that many people in Wales will want to do all they can to help them in their hour of need.
With many logistical routes closed and transportation systems under significant pressure, sending physical goods could add more stress to the situation on the ground.
Financial donations
Making cash donations, to organisations responding to the crisis in Ukraine, allows for emergency relief goods to be sourced locally.
You can help by donating money to the following charities:
Homes for Ukraine
Homes for Ukraine is a scheme to help people from Ukraine who do not have a family member in the UK. It allows people in the UK to sponsor someone from the Ukraine to come and live in the UK.
You can record your interest in offering a home as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme as long as you:
- can offer accommodation for at least 6 months.
- are a British citizen or have leave remain in the UK for at least 6 months
Find out more and record you interest in Homes for Ukraine (on GOV.UK).
You can also register an interest with the Homes for Ukraine Reset service. This is a community sponsorship organisation that is helping to match UK families with Ukrainians before they apply for Homes for Ukraine. They also provide training and support.
Ukraine Family Scheme
The Ukraine Family Scheme is for people from Ukraine who have a family member in the UK.
It allows them to join their family members or extend their stay in the UK. It is free to apply and people will be able to live, work and study in the UK and access public funds.
If you have a family member from Ukraine they can to apply for a Ukraine Family Scheme visa (on GOV.UK).
Short term Airbnb.org stays
Airbnb.org is working with Housing Justice Cymru to provide short term housing to people coming to Wales from Ukraine.
If you have a separate property available, you can offer temporary stays for free or at a discount through Airbnb.org.
Volunteering
Once the people fleeing the war are settled in local areas they may need some material items or other local support. Communities may have a role to play in this.
At the moment we are not asking for volunteers. We are working with local authorities and voluntary organisations to set up ways people can help. Once this is done we’ll contact anyone who has expressed an interest to see how they can get involved.
To register an interest please email refugees@gov.wales. We will share your details with partners as set out in our privacy notice.
Translation and interpretation support
If you could offer interpretation or translation for Ukrainians please register your interest on the Wales Interpretation and Translation Service website.
Register a business or organisation to help
If you are able to offer help as a business or an organisation, we need you to tell us about the help you can give.
Offering jobs
Find out how your business can offer a job or placement to those coming from Ukraine (on Business Wales).
Helplines and support
Sponsors in Wales can call the free helpline on 0808 175 1508 for advice 24 hours a day.
For Ukrainian nationals and their families:
- United Kingdom visa and settlement support is on GOV UK.
- For help to apply to come to the United Kingdom call this number free 24 hours a day on +44 808 164 8810. Call 0808 164 8810 if you are in the UK. If you cannot contact UK 0808 numbers call +44 (0)175 390 7510.
For anyone affected by the situation in Ukraine you can contact the CALL (Community Advice & Listening Line) Mental Health helpline. It is available 24 hours a day to listen and provide support. Call 0800 132737 or text ‘Help’ to 81066.