From Bishop Terry
HOMES FOR UKRAINE INFORMATION ZOOM SESSION
Tuesday March 22nd 2pm-3pm

Dear brothers and sisters,

As you are aware the situation in the Ukraine is terrible beyond words. All of us want to help in some way. I offer you two ways which might be of use to you and anyone you know who is wanting to make an offer of their home or spare room or whatever. First of all there is the first note below and the possibility of joining a zoom meeting to gain more information. Also at attach the link to the CSAN toolkit which will be of assistance also.

Homes for Ukraine- Information session for North East Churches

As you know, the situation in Ukraine is desperate and the need for help with the humanitarian effort grows daily. So far, there are 2.5 million refugees who have fled Ukraine, 1.85 million people internally displaced, and 12 million people trying their best to survive in war-stricken towns and cities. These numbers continue to rise.

This week the UK Government launched a scheme whereby individuals in this country can register to offer accommodation to those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Those offering accommodation need to link with a named person from

Ukraine and Friday 18 March they can apply for a Visa to come to the UK. This is in addition to the scheme that allows for Ukrainian families to reunite with relatives in this country. We are also expecting a second scheme where community groups, including churches, can become Community Sponsors.

We know that there are still lots of questions about the schemes: how people can volunteer and register, how they might be able to link with families in Ukraine and the surrounding countries, what will hosts have to provide, how will travel be arranged and more. Many of you also have questions about how you may be able to help and support families and hosts in the longer term if you can’t offer accommodation.

We will be hosting a zoom call on Tuesday 22 March from 2pm-3pm, where we hope to be able to update you about the latest information from the Government and answer some of your Frequently asked Questions about the situation here and in the countries bordering Ukraine.

We don’t have all the answers, but we will try and support those offering help and assistance of whatever kind and link with churches wanting to offer sponsorship and friendship.

To register to attend the meeting and receive the link, or to send any questions ahead of the meeting, please email Rob Bianchi: robbianchi56qmail.com  Thank you

Joanne Thorns (Regional Officer, North East Churches Acting Together) Val Barron (Communities Together Durham)

Rob Bianchi (ODM Creative Communications)

The CSAN toolkit can be accessed at the following

link: https://www.csan.orq.uk/ukraine/

In blessed hope,