Support for Ukraine: Making connections
More than 150,000 members of the public have registered for the scheme since it launched on Monday.
Since the UK government launched its Homes for Ukraine scheme on Monday (14 March), more than 150,000 members of the public have registered their interest in welcoming a Ukrainian individual or family into their home. Among them are many generous individuals from across the veterinary profession.
On Friday (18 March), the first phase of the scheme opened for visa applications, but it is currently only for Ukrainians who have named people willing to sponsor them. Either Ukrainians and their families, or their UK sponsors, will be able to apply for a visa, as long as they have each other's details.
Third-party connections
The government has published advice on its website to help people find a refugee to host if people do not already know someone. It states: “If you don’t currently know anyone whom you wish to sponsor, you may wish to get in touch with charities, faith groups or local community organisations who are starting to make connections between individuals.”
It adds that it is working closely with these third parties to ensure people who want to help are matched to people from Ukraine. More details on the support they can provide are expected to be announced shortly.
Charities supporting refugees
Meanwhile, charities working to connect those with a spare room to Ukrainian refugees and their families include Refugees at Home, Shelter 4 Ukraine, and Reset. The organisations urge those wishing to host a refugee to register their interest on gov.uk, and will be in touch once a suitable match arises.
About the scheme
The Homes for Ukraine scheme launched on Monday (14 March), enabling UK individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to record their interest in supporting Ukrainians fleeing the war.
Ahead of its launch, Michael Gove said: “The UK stands behind Ukraine in their darkest hour and the British public understand the need to get as many people to safety as quickly as we can. I urge people across the country to join the national effort and offer support to our Ukrainian friends. Together we can give a safe home to those who so desperately need it.”
Hosts wishing to provide accommodation will be required to commit to a minimum expectation of six months. In return, they will receive £350 per month.
Get in touch
We’re looking to hear from anyone who has applied to the Homes For Ukraine scheme for a series on MRCVSOnline and VNOnline. What has been your experience of the process so far, and what advice would you give to anybody looking to host refugees in the UK? Please email editor@mrcvs.co.uk
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
