Families who opened their homes to refugees fleeing war in Ukraine will now receive a package of further support, the Government has announced.
Under the scheme, Homes for Ukraine hosts will receive £500 a month as a ‘thank you’ for ongoing support after the first year of sponsorship.
In response, Barnardo's Chief Executive Lynn Perry MBE said:
“We welcome the Government’s announcement of increased funding for thank-you payments for Homes for Ukraine hosts. Barnardo’s has been calling for greater recognition for hosts, particularly due to the impact of the cost-of-living crisis. We would welcome this same level of support to be provided by the Government across both the Homes for Ukraine and the Family Scheme.
“We are also pleased to see that the Government has recognised the need for increased accommodation funding for refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan to avoid homelessness. We continue to be concerned about the lack of funding for therapeutic support for children who have been traumatised by war and dislocation, and hope the Government will look anew at the need for mental health support.”