Standing in solidarity with Ukraine

Borough response to Ukraine crisis - and how you can help

If you are interested in becoming a host for Ukrainians living in Eastleigh Borough, please email ukrainewelcome@eastleigh.gov.uk and include your address and phone number and one of our team will contact you.

The Borough of Eastleigh is showing its support for the people of Ukraine following the country's invasion by Russia. We have a proud history of helping support refugees and evacuees and will continue to offer the same for the people of Ukraine.

The flag of Ukraine will be flown in the Leigh Road Recreation Ground as mark of the Borough's solidarity with its people.

Homes for Ukraine

The British public are now being asked to open their homes to those fleeing war in Ukraine.

This bespoke scheme will offer a route to those who want to come to the UK who have someone here willing to provide them with a home. It will enable individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to volunteer accommodation and provide a route to safety for Ukrainians, and their immediate family members, forced to escape their homeland.

Sponsors should provide accommodation for as long as they are able, but there is a minimum expectation of 6 months.

If you are interested, you can find out more and how to register on the government's website

On the government's website you will also find some answers to frequently asked questions about the scheme

There is a factsheet about the scheme here

There is also a welcome guide for Ukrainian's arriving in the Uk in both English and Ukrainian

The Government announced on 11 April, that Council Tax regulations confirm that sponsors claiming the single householder council tax discount will not lose their discount if they host Ukrainian guests. A 50 per cent discount would now also apply for empty or second homes that are used to house guests on the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. More information can be found on their website

Hampshire County Council's role

Extra payment to sponsors

Hampshire County Council has announced that it will be paying an extra £150 per month over and above the Government host payments for accommodation of £350 to Hampshire residents hosting Ukrainian guests as part of the Government’s Homes for Ukraine Scheme. So all hosts within Eastleigh Borough will receive £500 per month for hosting.

Hampshire County Council are leading the response for Hampshire under the Government's Homes for Ukraine Scheme, using government funding they will:

Check sponsorship arrangements
conduct home visits
do safeguarding and homes fire safety checks
undertake DBS checks
provide initial financial support (£200 for Ukrainian guests and £350 per month for sponsors hosting families)
assist with school and education places

You can find more information on Hampshire County Council's website

www.resetuk.org has launched a matching and training service for sponsors and refugees.

Hampshire County Council has shared information about how childcare works in the UK and this information is also available in Ukrainian.

Our role

We have set up a weekly welcome cafe for both Ukrainian guests and their sponsors. At these we've invited other agencies to help provide support and advice and they also give the opportunity to meet other Ukrainian refugees. The cafe is a drop-in and runs at The Point in Eastleigh from 10am - 12pm on a Wednesday.

Occasionally we run cafes in other areas of the Borough too so please sign up for our newsletter to receive information on dates and times.

We want everyone to feel welcome in our borough, so we have a dedicated part of our website giving all the information about your local area - it's called Welcome to the Borough

Our housing and homeless teams are also on hand to help if it's needed for our Ukrainian guests

Frequently asked questions

Housing Options

Please find information from Citizens Advice, in English and Ukrainian about various housing options.

English Language Classes

Eastleigh College are running an English Language courses

You can register here

Free Activities and Leisure access in the Borough

Three of the Borough Leisure Centres are offering free access to some of their leisure facilities

Hamble Sports Complex
Satchell Lane, Hamble-le-Rice, Southampton SO31 4NE

Ukrainian refugees can sign up online, alternatively they can visit Hamble Sports Complex and sign up in the centre. There is an eligibility criteria and proof of Home Office email will need to be provided

Places Leisure Eastleigh
Passfield Avenue, Eastleigh SO50 9NL

Free Membership - Premium 3 month Upfront membership to be used if processing as refugee support, 4 kids go free, the same as all our customers.
Free lessons - Six months free lessons (dependent on spaces available.) Six months is a good time period that allows the child to learn something in a meaningful manner.
There is no charge and no joining fee and this is a local offer so those wishing to benefit from this membership offer can visit reception at the centre and speak to one of the Placemakers at any time, or email enquiries@placesleisureeastleigh.org for more information

Wildern Leisure Centre

Wildern Lane, Hedge End, Southampton SO30 4EJ

Wildern Leisure Centre are pleased to offer a three month Free access to gym and public swim sessions for Ukrainian visitors (subject to availability). Simply take your Identity card or passport to Wildern Leisure Centre and you will be issued a free 3 month membership card.

Organisations supporting Ukraine

Locally:

CRY Children's Charity
The three CRY Shops in the Borough are actively supporting the people of Ukraine and are accepting monetary donations.

Nationally:

British-Ukrainian Aid
supports victims of the ongoing war, orphaned children, internally displaced persons, the wounded and others in need. It has launched a JustGiving appeal.

Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain
(AUGB), the appeal is raising funds to provide accredited and registered Ukrainian charities with medicine, food and vital services.

ShelterBox
supports with lifesaving aid for families and emergency shelter

British Red Cross

*Please check with the organisations' websites or Facebook Pages for period of collection, details of drop-off times, and other information

How can I help

If any of our residents have second homes or properties that they would be interested in renting privately to a Ukrainian family please contact ukrainewelcome@eastleigh.gov.uk