This article has been provided by Erica Garner: 07974 001310 ericagarner@hotmail.co.uk.
Homes for refugees
South Shropshire had quite a high number of hosts coming forward at the beginning of the war, much higher than other areas given the population size. Since the first wave of hosts came forward, very few new hosts have been identified. Many of our local to Ludlow Ukrainians are now settled in own properties, either privately rented or the lucky few with social landlord accommodation. I am increasingly being asked by our local refugees if there are hosts to take in friends or relations from Ukraine.
The conditions in Ukraine are currently fairly dire. The temperatures are sky high and extremely cold in winter. They have only three hours electricity a day and they don’t know when that will be.
All hosts will need a DBS check and the properties inspected by Shropshire council. Hosts will be supported along the way and will have a monthly payment through the Homes for Ukraine Scheme administered by Shropshire Council. Ukrainians have access to finance and welfare support, health services and education for their children.
A local Refugee Support Group managed by volunteers has been supporting hosts and refugees for over two years.
If anyone would like more information, they can contact Erica (details) above.
Donations for Ukraine
We have volunteers in Ludlow who have been helping with collecting furniture donations for local families and distributing across South Shropshire. Volunteers have also been over to Ukraine to take supplies. We also need a range of donated items to be taken out to Ukraine. These include:
- Candles (even broken ones as these are melted and put into tins)
- Warm winter clothing (all age groups)
- Generators
- Chain saws
- Good quality sleeping bags
- Clean blankets
- Nappies
- Incontinence pads
- Walking sticks/frames
- Cat and dog food
- Electrical power tools – particularly battery operated
- Anything that will be useful and practical.
Furniture for refugees
Volunteers have been collecting furniture and electrical goods for around a year. All electrical items are PAT tested prior to distribution, tumble dryers, washing machines and fridges, and have helped many families particularly those moving from a host family to independent living.
The furniture was previously stored in a village hall but that space is no longer available. We are looking for new space to store items on a longer term basis. Ideally the premises need to be fairly close to Ludlow, where volunteers and beneficiaries can easily access the stock, and we can service our local population. The size needs to be around 15ft x 20ft (or larger) and accessible between 8.00am to 6.00pm, ideally 7 days per week.
New furniture scheme
Since the Furniture Scheme closed in Ludlow, families living in poverty have not had access to household items for a small donation. Erica and others are working to set up a smaller scheme, which will receive donated furniture and white goods. There will be a referral process through, various agencies, the food bank, etc. This will be part of the new charity Ludlow and Area Community Partnership, which should be set up during the early Autumn. The new scheme will not have capacity to refurbish items, so only quality household items that do not need renovation or refurbishment will be accepted.
If you are interested in finding out more about hosting a Ukrainian family, volunteering, and information on the aims and objectives of the new Ludlow based charity please contact Erica. More on this in the coming weeks.