Support for Ukrainians
To Our Ukrainian Brothers & Sisters,
First and foremost, we would like to express our support for you in this terrible time. Our thoughts are with you and all of those suffering as a result of the unjust war in your country.
Secondly, we want to welcome you to England! We hope to make your stay as easy as possible to relieve some of the stress that you no doubt have.
On this page you will find information on settling in the UK including what support is available, how our healthcare system works, working in the UK and much more. You can also find and array of local information from free events to tourist attractions and even a list of local support organisations.
We understand that uprooting your lives and seeking safety in an unknown country is traumatic and stressful at the best of times which is why we want you to know that we are here for you. We have included information on your local area to help bring a little joy back by exploring your new environment.
We hope you find this page useful, if you have any suggestions please get in touch and let us know.
From all of us at 
Homes for Ukraine
We are working closely with Devon County Council to ensure all Ukrainian Refugees with the Homes for Ukraine Scheme receive support with the following:-
- Home visits & follow up visits
- Access to funds
- Advice on employment, education, benefits & much more
- Signposting to local support organisations
If you are not with the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, we can still help! Please get in touch, we have access to translators to help us both communicate better.
Contact Us
Text Advice to 82727
Telephone: 01395 265070
Click the crosses to open up all information underneath the main headings, you can then click the minus icon to close the information down.
Gov & Other important Information
Welcome Pack
The UK Government have provided a Welcome Pack providing information on living in the UK.
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National Insurance Number
A National Insurance Number (NI) is a unique number each citizen will have. It ensures any tax is applied in your name only and allows you to work in the UK. You can apply for your NI here.
Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain
The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) is the largest representative body for Ukrainians and those of Ukrainian descent in the UK. It exists to develop, promote and support the interests of the Ukrainian community in the UK. Their website can be found here.
Association of Ukrainian Women in Great Britain
The Association Ukrainian Women is an autonomous section of the Association of Ukrainians in G.B. and actively works within the Ukrainian community and its local branches.
They support cultural, educational, humanitarian and social programmes.
The association upholds the principles of political and religious tolerance, and universal human rights and raises money to help the suffering and needy children in Ukraine, especially victims of the Chornobyl disaster. Their website can be found here.
Financial Support
Refugee Integration Loan
This is a loan of £500 provided by the UK Gov. You can find more information here or contact us for assistance in applying.
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Interim Payment Application for Ukrainian Nationals.
Under the Homes for Ukraine Visa scheme you are eligible for a discretionary payment of £200 per person to help with essential items to settle in. You can apply here or contact us for assistance with applying.
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Sponsor Thank You Payment
If you are a Sponsor you can apply for the optional Thank You payment of £350. You can apply or find more information here
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The Red Cross
The Red Cross are also providing financial assistance for Ukrainians entering the UK under the visa or sponsorship schemes. It is only available within the first 14 days of arrival.
If you did not access this fund on your arrival to the UK,
please call 0808 196 3651.
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Benefits
We have several Benefits here in the UK the most commonly being Universal Credit you will need to check eligibility for any benefits which you can do yourself using Turn2Us or EntitledTo. Alternatively, you can contact us and we can help check your eligibility, explain what benefits you are entitled to, apply for them and even contest the decision.
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Setting up a bank account
You will need proof of ID (passport or Biometric Residence Permit). In the UK you will usually need proof of address however most large banks are flexible to this based on the situation. The following banks in particular have information on supporting you.
Royal Bank of Scotland – Ukrainian refugee account opening
Legal Support
ILPA
A group of volunteer legal professionals with immigration/asylum expertise are available to provide free UK immigration and asylum advice to Ukrainian citizens affected by the current crisis. You can find more information including an advisor here.
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Advice Ukraine
Advice Ukraine are a group of volunteer legal professionals with immigration and asylum expertise. They are providing a free service to connect Ukrainian citizens (and others fleeing Ukraine) with free legal advice on UK immigration, visas and asylum from qualified and regulated lawyers. You can find more information here.
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Ukraine Legal Aid
This is a website for Ukrainians who have fled as refugees to other countries seeking asylum and other legal assistance. They have collected a database of volunteer attorneys willing to help. You can find more information here.
Accommodation
We will update this topic when we have more information.
Transport & Communications
Driving
The AA and BSM are providing free Drive Confident Refresher Course to Ukrainian Refugees. Although you dont need a UK licence for the first year you are here, it is worth taking advantage of this offer due to the vast differences to driving in the Ukraine. You can find out more here.
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Public Transport
This is a guide to public transport in East Devon.
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Communication
The mobile phone provider, Vodafone, will provide a free SIM card which are pre-loaded and come with 20GB data each month plus unlimited calls and texts for a period of six months. Any Ukrainian citizen arriving in the UK via the government’s resettlement scheme is eligible. Contact RefugEase to applyor visit their website here.
Email: hello@refugease.com
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Language
Exeter University are providing free English Courses for Ukrainians. You can apply here.
Refugee Support Devon have provided a list of face to face and online English Lesson here.
There are also free English courses in Sidwell, East Devon. You can find more information here.
Open Learn have launched free English Courses, you can find them here.
Mondly App is offering free English courses to all Ukrainians. You can find more information and how to download the app here.
Twinkl are also providing free English courses to all Ukrainians. You can find more information here.
Ukrainian Institute London also have free English course, you can sign up here.
Children
If you would like your child enrolled in a local school then you can apply here.
It can be confusing so please get in touch with us if you need help with this application. In the UK it is the Law for all children to be in full time education by the time they are 5 years old.
There is support available for parents and guardians which we have detailed below:-
- 2,3 and 4 year olds can receive 15 hours (term time) or 11 hours (all year round) per week of funded care.
- Working parents of 3 & 4 year olds could be entitled to 30 hours (term time) or 22 hours (all year round) of funded care
- Childcare Choices explains support available with early years and childcare costs.
- For families looking for suitable early years or childcare can visit Family Support and Childcare. If you are not able to find suitable care please complete the Unable to Find Childcare form and support will be offered.
- There is also a Holiday Activities and Food programme which include funded activities and a meal during the Easter, summer and Christmas Holidays for children aged 5-16 years (including 4-year-olds if in reception) for more information including how to book, you can visit their site here. Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme
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Refugee Education UK
REUK provides resources for families and providers and is launching a helpline to support Ukrainian resettlement. You can view their website here.
Oak National Academy
Oak National Academy is a virtual school set up by the DfE to support remote learning during Covid lockdowns. There are plans in place to translate lessons into Ukrainian to support families arriving in the UK. You can view their website here.
My Online Schooling.com
This is an online learning platform for Ukrainian children. They are currently offering free spaces on a first come first served basis so be quick if you want to apply. You can view more information and apply here.
Health & Wellbeing
The NHS
Doctors of the World have provided guides on the NHS which we have linked below. As part of the settlement scheme, you will have access to the NHS. This includes free prescriptions until you have an income.
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Registering for a GP & Dental Practice
To register for a GP you will first need to find a surgery in your area. You can do this here.
You will need to contact the GP themselves either online or by phone. You shouldn’t need any ID to register however it may be useful to have your Biometric Residence Number, National Insurance or passport. If you need assistance, we can help.
To register with a Dental Practice, you will need to contact the chosen practice. Unlike a GP, you are not bound to a catchment area.
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All GP surgeries have access to a telephone translation service, should you need this service please request an extended appointment.
NHS dental services are often limited so you may not be able to register at an NHS practice. If you need emergency dental care and are unable to find an NHS practice, you can contact NHS England’s Customer Contact Centre on 0300 311 2233. NHS 111 can advise on how to access emergency dental care.
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Mental Health
In the first instance we would recommend contacting your local GP once you are registered however there are other forms of support which we have detailed below:
This is a local charity supporting refugees in a variety of areas including counselling.
TalkWorks provide mental health support for adults over 18.
Lifeline is a helpline which is confidential, free and open 24 hours every day. You can call them on 0808 808 8000 – (Textphone :18001 0808 808 8000)
Samaritans is another helpline where you can talk to a trained volunteer for free.
Mind is a National Charity providing advice & support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
Working in the UK
National Insurance Number (NI)
You will need a National Insurance Number (please check Gov & Other Important Information) to work in the UK.
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Employment
AA
The AA are keen to offer job opportunities to Ukrainian refugees. You can find out more here.
RefuAid & Emma Sinclair
Emma Sinclair MBE has created a consortium of UK Businesses who have all pledged to help employee Ukrainian Refugees. You can find our more information here.
Job Aid for Ukrainian Refugees
This organisation supports people who have had to leave their country. They bring jobseekers and employers together, you can find more information here.
Jobs for Ukraine
Jobs for Ukraine collates academic, scientific, professional and freelance opportunities that are currently available. You can find their website here.
Talent Beyond Boundaries
Talent Beyond Boundaries is an organisation connecting employers and refugees. Their website can be found here.
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Education
Open University are providing scholarships to UK-resident students who have been displaced from their homeland or place of residence for political, economic, ethnic, environmental, or human rights pressures, to study for free. Visit their website here.
What to do in East Devon
East Devon Support
Exeter Conversation Cafe
Every Wednesday 6 Paris Street Exeter. We are also able to provide funding to travel to the venue.
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Ottery Refugee Response Group
Local support group helping Ukrainian Refugees resettle in the UK.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/184081181932917/
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Refugee Support Devon
Refugee Support Devon support all refugees with a variety of issues from legal to education and employment.
https://www.refugeesupportdevon.org.uk/
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Ubuntu Counselling Services
UBUNTU Counselling Services offers Multicultural Counselling, support and education.
https://ubuntucounsellingservices.org.uk/
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Mens Shed’s
These organisations provide a safe space for men to connect, converse and create. The activities are often similar to those of garden sheds, but for groups of men to enjoy together. They help reduce loneliness and isolation, but most importantly, they’re fun. They have groups in Honiton, Axminster, Ottery and Beer. You can find a full list on their main website.
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Westbank
Westbank work to empower and improve the health of communities and individuals across Devon. they arrange social activities, transport to appointments, health classes and much more.
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Exmouth Friends In Need
Offers support to local families by providing food, general essential household items, topping up Gas and Electricity, help towards paying the fuel bills and even assisting in furnishing new households with white goods and everything they need to keep peoples’ heads above water thus encouraging sustainability for those in temporary poverty or suffering hardship.
https://www.exmouthfriendsinneed.co.uk/
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Honiton Health Matters
promote neighbourhood discussions of health and wellbeing, and to create opportunities for the development of neighbourhood initiatives and support for people volunteering in the work of health and wellbeing
https://www.honitonhealthmatters.org.uk/
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Ottery Community Volunteers
Community group providing support through difficult times.
https://www.facebook.com/ottery2021/
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Parental Minds
A supportive organisation for those acting as a carer.
https://www.parentalminds.org.uk/
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Exeter Community Energy
Healthy Homes for Wellbeing provides free energy and money saving advice for people living in Exeter, Mid Devon, East Devon, Teignbridge and Torbay.
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Axminster Community Waffle House
A Waffle cafe that provides support, activities, live music, co-working space and a place for kids to play with the added bonus of waffles!
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Blackdown Support Group
BSG support the community with a variety of services from health to transport.
https://blackdownsupportgroup.org.uk/
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Social Groups, Hobbies and Sports
There are lots of groups you can join in East Devon. You can find some of these listed on the Devon Government page here.
What to do in East Devon
Sidmouth Airshow
When: 5pm Friday 26th August 2022
Where: Sidmouth (grab a spot on the beach or the cliffs for a great view!)
https://sidmouth.gov.uk/sidmouth-air-show-details/
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Devon Country Show
When: Thursday 30th June, Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd July.
Where: Westpoint, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, EX5 1DJ
Devon County Show is providing free entry to any Ukrainians with refugee status and settled in the county. Just show your passport at the gates.
https://www.devoncountyshow.co.uk/
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Unique Boutique Events
We have loads of events throughout the year which you can find here.
https://www.uniqueboutiqueevents.co.uk
