Worcestershire prepares to welcome nearly 500 Ukrainian guests to the county

Latest figures show that Worcestershire is preparing to welcome nearly 500 Guests as part of the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

Numbers are constantly being updated, and currently just over 200 sponsors are offering to host Guests who are arriving to the county.

The County Council and District Council teams from across Worcestershire continue to work closely together to ensure the county is ready for guests' as they arrive.

District Council teams are working tirelessly to ensure that housing checks are completed as soon as possible.

County Council teams are also working hard to ensure the DBS checks needed for all Sponsor family members aged 16 and over are completed as soon as possible.

The County Council has been assured by the Department of Health and Social Care that any delays with DBS checks due to the sheer number being requested nationally, will not prevent visas being issued by the Home Office for Ukrainian Guests arriving in the county.

As Guests arrive, the County Council will be working closely with Health Partners to ensure they are able to provide what support is needed. This includes encouraging sponsors to support their Guests to register at their local GP surgery as soon as possible.

The already established and well known Here2Help service run by the County Council has evolved to support and link up those wishing to offer help to those who may need help or advice.

Here 2 Help  has seen an increase in people contacting the service with of various types of support which is great news. and there are more people out there that want to support.

If residents and business would like to offer any kind of support, they can they register via Here2Help by visiting the webpage or if they unable to register online then they can call 01905 768053.

Welcome packs are being collated for Guests and Sponsors that contain a wide range of useful local information provided by District colleagues in addition to information provided by the County Council and other partners.