Highland Council ready to take part in Westminster's Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme with Scottish Government also wanting to become 'super sponsors' of refugees
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Highland Council has indicated that it stands ready to take part in the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.
The local authority already has a track record in supporting refugees having welcomed Syrian and Afghan families.
At a debate on the Russian invasion of Ukraine last week a number of measures were agreed, including a Highland Weekend of Action for Ukraine from April 1-3.
Members agreed that the council will engage to help develop the Government Sponsorship scheme that is being proposed by Westminster.
After a huge amount of criticism, the UK government launched the Homes for Ukrainians website which can be found by clicking here.
On it people can record their interest in providing a home as an individual or as an organisation to those fleeing the conflict.
In addition, the Scottish Government has proposed becoming “super sponsors” to allow up to 3000 Ukrainians to come to Scotland in the immediate wave.
Once they are here, they will be accommodated temporarily and then people will be matched to longer term accommodation, including offers of rooms from the public.
The council is still waiting for further details on how this will operate in Scotland and the role the Council will have in this scheme.
The following links may be found useful to direct Ukrainians to (or others looking for) more general information about the response from the UK:
- Barnardo’s UK-wide helpline
- Scottish Refugee Council – Online help sessions for people affected by the conflict in Ukraine
The Council will directly promote among its staff and the public the opportunity to donate financially to support people directly affected by the invasion of Ukraine:
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