Ukraine
15 March 2022
Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.
The East Grinstead Town Council has raised the flag of Ukraine in the High St, alongside the Union Flag and will continue to fly this during the conflict following the Russian Invasion of Ukraine’s
borders.
Many residents are asking what they can do to help, we have provided some information below.
Donations
Current Government guidance about how people can help, especially with donations can be found on the Government website.
Refugees arriving in the UK
There are a number of programmes emerging from Government to support refugees who wish to come to the UK.
The Ukraine Family Scheme allows family members of British nationals and people settled in the UK to come to the UK. From Tuesday 15 March, Ukrainian passport holders will be able to travel to
the UK without having to attend a visa application centre in advance. The Ukraine Family Scheme visa will last for 3 years.
We are aware there are a number of Mid Sussex families who this scheme will apply to and Mid Sussex Councils will provide appropriate support. In addition, the Government has made clear that people who arrive under this scheme will be able to work and study in the UK and access public funds to support them if required. You can find more information about the Ukraine Family Scheme.
There will also be a Local Sponsorship Scheme for Ukrainians without any family ties to the UK and we understand that more details will be announced by Government. This scheme will allow sponsors such as charities, businesses and community groups to come forward to be matched to a Ukrainian individual or family who need refuge. There will be no limit to this scheme and those who arrive in the UK will be granted an initial 12 month leave to remain and be able to work and access public services. Further details on this scheme will be published soon with information about how people and organisations can apply to be sponsors.
We know that East Grinstead residents want to help, the best thing to do is donate through the organised charities who are already set up and on the ground in Poland and other countries. We will play our part over the coming weeks and months offering support to the refugees and making them welcome while on our shores.
West Sussex response to the conflict in Ukraine
Following the launch of the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme, We urge those residents who have already been in touch with the County Council to offer support for families or individuals, or are able to do so, to now register via the online portal.
WSCC are delivering wraparound support for those arriving under this scheme, as they are for recently evacuated Afghan families, and those who fled from other global conflicts under the current UK Resettlement programmes.
Further information, links and the dedicated email address please visit West Sussex County Council website which will be updated as new information becomes available.
We are looking to see how we at the Town Council can directly help with the resettlement of refugees. If you have language skills which may be helpful please get it touch with our Community and Tourism Manager Alice Fletcher at communityandtourism@eastgrinstead.gov.uk