Two councils have stepped up their support for Ukrainian refugees with visits as households start to host families under the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils are redeploying staff from across the councils to ensure Ukrainian refugees moving to the area get the support they need.
Council staff have started to call the households that have applied to be hosts and are providing visits to those households to prepare for the arrival of the families that have fled the war in Ukraine.
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The district councils are part of a county-wide system that will provide help with health care needs, mental health counselling, schooling and finding work.
This includes working closely with the health sector, other local councils, the government, and the voluntary community sector.
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Councillor Emily Smith, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “We are fully committed to stepping up and providing every bit of support we can to anybody who has had their lives overturned by tyranny. We are proud to do so, and along with our communities we offer the warmest possible welcome on their arrival.”
The councils have also set up a special helpline for hosts and their guests to call should they need any help or advice in the coming weeks and months. They can call 01235 422600 and press option one, or email communitysupport@southandvale.gov.uk.
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