Supporting Ukraine

Epsom & Ewell stands with Ukraine.

The Council is working with all the relevant agencies to support people who are making such generous offers of help and those escaping conflict.

Necessary background (DBS), and housing checks are underway. There is no need for you to contact us to arrange the checks. We are currently prioritising those whose guest/s have arrived or whose arrival is imminent. Thank you for being patient with us during such an unprecedented time.

There are two schemes:

Homes for Ukraine

This scheme is for Ukrainians without any family ties to the UK

If you want to offer a home to people fleeing Ukraine, you can become a sponsor as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

If you have already applied to become a host, your details will be shared with us by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). We are working with Surrey County Council and other agencies to support you in your humanitarian commitment.

Further information on Support for Ukrainian Nationals from Surrey County Council.

We are carrying out important security and DBS checks as required.

Translated guidance on how to apply for a visa through the Homes for Ukrainian scheme is available in Ukrainian and Russian.

This factsheet on GOV UK explains how Ukrainians can apply to the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme

For more information, please email homesforukraine@epsom-ewell.gov.uk.

Ukraine Family Scheme

The government’s Ukraine Family Scheme allows Ukrainians to join their family members in the UK, or for Ukrainian nationals already here to extend their stay in this country.

To help us plan and provide support in the best way, please contact us if you have registered with either of the national schemes to host Ukrainian guests or welcome family members.

Support payments

£200 welcome payment - paid to every Ukrainian guest

Adults and children coming to the UK under the Homes for Ukraine scheme qualify for a £200 per person welcome payment. This is in the form of a payment card.

The Council is now in receipt of the £200 payment cards for your guest/s. These require activation and this can take up to 24 hours. We are aiming to complete DBS checks at the same time as we allocate your guest payment card, however this may not always be possible.

Please be advised that your guest/s must attend in person and should bring ID and visa and/or their right to enter or travel to the UK. Cards will not be issued to hosts/sponsors.

£350 Thank you payment – paid to the host

As a host, you have the option to receive a monthly payment of £350 for up to 12 months, paid in arrears, for as long as you are hosting your guests and the accommodation provided is of a suitable standard. You will be eligible for the first monthly payment once the accommodation you are providing has been checked.

Advice for Ukrainians

Welcome guide

The government’s Welcome guide for Ukranians has useful information on what to do when you arrive in the UK. This includes things like registering at with a GP, dentist or school. There is also this quick guide to services you may need in your first week in the UK.

Check what you need to do before you travel to the UK and what to do after you arrive

Rail operators will provide Ukrainian guests with a single onward journey via national rail free of charge, made within 48 hours of arrival in Great Britain, to their final destination. More information can be found on the National Rail website.

As a Ukrainian arriving in the UK, you can claim Universal Credit in addition to the £200 payment.

Guidance for claiming Child Benefit

Anyone coming to the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme or Homes for Ukraine scheme is entitled to claim Child Benefit immediately, rather than having to wait for the usual 3-month qualifying period.

People who wish to claim should complete a CH2 Child Benefit claim form and submit this by post to the Child Benefit office. The address is included on the form.

They should provide an original birth certificate and the passport or travel document used to enter the UK. Where this documentation is not immediately available, people are advised to include a note in their claim and someone from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will be in touch to discuss further.

For more information, visit www.gov.uk/child-benefit or call 0300 200 3100 from inside the UK.

Coronavirus guidance

Ukrainian translations have also been added to the guidance page on how to do a coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow test.

Support groups

Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network

The Council is working closely with Epsom Refugee Network (EERN) who have a wealth of experience and knowledge in the support and re-settlement of refugees in the borough. There is also a Ukrainian speaking hotline on 07950 748898 to support your guests.

Upcoming drop-in and social events

  • Monday 9 May - 9.30am to 12.30pm
    EERN will have a help desk at the Surrey Stands with Ukraine unit in the Ashley Centre, Epsom. They will also have a few of the local English teachers there to talk about the classes available locally for adults to improve their English.
     
  • Saturday 14 May - 9.30am to 1pm
    Ukrainian Connections at the Epsom Methodist Church, hosts and guests are welcome to join for a chance to connect with others from the local area and find out more about local support.
     
  • Wellbeing Day 29 May - 12 noon to 4pm
    St Michaels Church in Ashtead, for hosts and Ukrainian guests.  Beauty and wellbeing services for guests and hosts.  

Further information can also be found on Surrey Stands with Ukraine

Barnardo’s free helpline - 0800 148 8586.
The helpline is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 8pm (Saturday from 10am to 3pm) to support children and families arriving in the UK from Ukraine. For more information, please visit this page on the Barnardo’s website or email ukrainiansupport@barnardos.org.uk.

The British Red Cross National Support Line - 0808 196 3651
Free and confidential support line, available daily from 10am to 6pm. An interpreter can be requested when the call is connected.
If people affected have arrived in the UK within the last 14 days, they can receive £50 per person cash assistance for up to 6 people in a family unit by calling the above number.

Before giving away any financial information you can check the charity is genuine. The government has also published advice to help people give safely to registered charities.

We are showing our support for Ukraine by flying the Ukrainian flag at the Town Hall in Epsom.

Our thoughts are with the victims of the conflict and their families. We look forward to extending our support to any Ukrainian refugees arriving in our borough.

For more information, please email homesforukraine@epsom-ewell.gov.uk.