Two years since the Ukraine war began, we look at how the Council has helped guests settle

Grants totalling more than £13,000 have been awarded for activities to help Ukraine guests settle into South Cambridgeshire and forge friendships.

In addition, more than £102,000 has been given to support English tuition to help Ukraine guests develop communication skills.

The funding is part of a wider £500,000 package of support provided by South Cambridgeshire District Council since the Homes for Ukraine scheme began, including different forms of wrap around support to help guests achieve independent accommodation, a furniture package scheme and recently launched, a landlord incentive scheme.

The District Council has awarded 43 activities grants since the scheme started to help reduce isolation offer emotional support and support integration into the community. The small community grants have supported a wide range of events including:

• Art therapy workshops for children and adults
• Women’s club meetings to forge friendships
• A party to bond, create fun and find new friends for traumatised children
• Funding trips to Woburn Safari Park
• A Candle making workshop for adults and children
• A colouring competition for children
• Flower making workshops to make flower emblems of Ukraine
• A traditional seaside coach trip including fish and chips
• A Ceilidh for Ukrainian guests, hosts and friends
• Group discussions and games for teenagers leading to further activities for the young people to get together

Funding comes from the Government tariff received for every guest who arrives in the area. 

Cllr Bill Handley, Lead Cabinet Member for Communities at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Since the Ukraine war began in February 2022 the Council and the local community has gone above and beyond to support guests in a wide range of ways. The small grants scheme is a great example of how we have supported Ukraine guests to help families integrate. It may be materials for an art class or books for English classes. It can be hosting a gathering, emotional support, learning to cook together, or taking a group of Ukrainian guests on a trip to see the sights. The important thing is that they have been welcomed and supported.”

South Cambridgeshire has seen one of the highest numbers of Homes for Ukraine arrivals for a lower tier local authority, welcoming more than 850 Ukrainian guests into the district since the start of the scheme.

Grants can be claimed by a range of community groups such as Parish Councils, community groups, informal groups and hosts - providing the idea has a reach beyond their own guest. The activities and ideas should help Ukrainian guests meet and socialise, learn English, get creative and generally have fun. 

Up to £300 in grant funding can be awarded for each activity and can cover the cost of things like venue hire, equipment, transport, instructor time and refreshments.

• In recognition that some organisations may not be used to submitting bids for funding there is support available from the Cambridge Council for Voluntary Service who can offer local voluntary organisations a range of support, advice and information on matters concerning funding bids. Call 01223 464 696 or email enquiries@cambridgecvs.org.uk

To find out more email Ukraine.grants@scambs.gov.uk