Last reviewed: Thursday 9 June 2022
This page will be updated regularly with links to UK Government announcements on Ukraine and how to offer support.
In response to the crisis in Ukraine, many people in Solihull are looking for ways they can help people caught up in the conflict.
We want to reach out to all of our Ukrainian guests, and anyone with friends and families affected by, or concerned about, events in Ukraine. The information on this webpage will direct you to official sources of guidance, advice and information to offer help and support.
Welcome to Solihull
Solihull welcomes our guests from Ukraine.
Homes for Ukraine Scheme
The Homes for Ukraine scheme is now open for applications from Ukrainians with a named eligible sponsor in the UK.
The Homes for Ukraine scheme allows individuals, charities, community groups and businesses across the UK to offer a room or home to Ukrainians escaping the war, regardless of whether they have ties to the country. Sponsors should provide accommodation for as long as they are able, but the expectation is a minimum of 6 months. Individuals that want to be hosts will be required to have a DBS check.
Solihull Council has put together a Homes for Ukraine factsheet with things you need to consider before applying to be a host.
This includes information on eligibility, financial considerations, safeguarding and housing checks and the matching process.
If you require further assistance, please contact refugees@solihull.gov.uk.
Resources
Visit GOV.UK for the UK Government's response to the crisis, what you can do to help, travel advice and UK visa support. They have published many helpful documents such as:
- Homes for Ukraine: Sponsor Guidance
- Advice on Visa Support for Ukrainian Nationals
- Homes for Ukraine Scheme FAQs
The West Midlands Strategic Migration Partnership provides local support and strategic leadership to ensure that the West Midlands can respond to and engage with migration. They have recently set up a page on their website specifically about Ukraine which has information about support for Ukrainian residents, the UK Humanitarian Route and what people can do to help.
Library services and support for new communities
Our library service has many free services available to help you settle into life in Solihull. Why not come along to one of our community meetings to meet other new arrivals to the area.
Information and advice for Ukrainian Guests
The government has issued a guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK. This includes information on getting used to life in the UK and what to do if things go wrong. Russian and Ukrainian translations are available by changing the language in the top right corner of the webpage.
There is also a Welcome leaflet that details how to find and use local health services. Please see English, Ukrainian and Russian translations below:
- Welcome to Solihull leaflet - English
- Ласкаво просимо до Соліхалла - Ukrainian
- Добро пожаловать в Солихалл - Russian
Please contact refugees@solihull.gov.uk with any further queries.
Free rail travel for Ukrainians on arrival in the UK
Rail operators in the UK are offering Ukrainian arrivals a single onward journey, free of charge, upon arrival in the UK.
You will have 48 hours to make your journey and must show a Ukrainian passport and a boarding pass which shows arrival into the country within the last 48 hours.
All the information is on the National Rail Enquiries website and is translated into Ukrainian and Russian.
Ukrainians already in the UK
Ukrainians already in the UK with a visa will be able to extend their stay by extending their visa or switching to another immigration route, where eligible, even if their visa does not normally allow them to do so.