We have created this web page to share information about issues relating to the situation in Ukraine.
The Council condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
Support and fundraising
Advice for Ukrainians arriving in the UK
British government advice
A guide to Ukrainians arriving in the UK
British Red Cross advice
Fundraising
There are national fundraising campaigns:
- Ukraine Crisis Appeal | British Red Cross
- Ukraine Appeal | Donate | Save the Children UK
- WithUkraine
- Donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal - The UK Government will match public donations to this appeal pound-for-pound starting with £20 million.
- Find a registered charity - Search for a registered charity via the UK Government website.
The Government has issued a news story entitled 'What you can do to help' that contains a number of ways you can help support the people of Ukraine. You can read it on the Gov.uk website.
UK businesses and charities sending goods
UK businesses can contact the Export Support Service for questions relating to the situation in Ukraine and Russia.
The government advises against businesses sending charitable goods to Ukraine. Exports may be subject to customs declarations, checks, and duty and border taxes. Your donation could be delayed getting to people in need. Donate to a registered charity or trusted scheme instead.
The Charity Commission has published guidance for charities fundraising for Ukraine.
The government has published guidance for charities and trustees on the most commonly asked questions.
Cyber security
Take steps to prevent against the heightened cyber threat. Learn how to stay safe and secure online on the Cyber Aware website.
Refugee schemes
Oadby & Wigston Borough Council is committed to supporting refugees from Ukraine.
There are two Government refugee schemes. More details are below.
Ukraine Family Scheme
The Ukraine Family Scheme allows family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come to or stay in the UK. It is free to apply.
People will be able to live, work and study in the UK and access public funds.
More information about the Ukraine Family Scheme
Homes for Ukraine
The Homes for Ukraine scheme invites people to apply to sponsor a named Ukrainian and their immediate family to come over to the UK. You must be able to provide accommodation for at least six months.
If you want to offer a home to people fleeing Ukraine, you can register your interest in becoming a sponsor. You can do this as an individual or as an organisation.
Find out more about Homes for Ukraine and to register your interest
Homes for Ukraine FAQs (Gov.uk)
Reset - a matching and training service for sponsors and refugees
Reset have launched a matching and training service to pair sponsors and refugees under the UK Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme. It has mobilised experts in safeguarding to assess sponsors and refugees to make sure that the matching is suitable.
Reset will also provide a training service, drawing on the expertise of Refugees at Home, for sponsors, local authorities, and community groups.
Information about schools
School places for Ukrainian refugees are available. If your children are of Primary School age (4 - 10 years old), or of Secondary School age (11 - 16 years old), the best way to apply for a school place is through the online school application process at the Leicestershire County Council website.
If you would like speak to the County Council about school places please call 0116 305 6684.
Apply for a school place online
How to access NHS services (posters)
Posters have been developed by the NHS to provide advice for Ukrainian refugees entering the UK on how to access NHS services. They come in three languages - Ukrainian, Russian and English.
- How the NHS works - Ukrainian
- How the NHS works - Russian (PDF Document, 474.9 Kb)
- How the NHS works - English (PDF Document, 585.18 Kb)
Council Leader's Open Letter
Oadby & Wigston stands in solidarity with Ukraine and is committed to being ready to help in any way we can in the coming weeks and months as this barbaric invasion continues.
Everyone in the borough is shocked and appalled by this calculated and callous Russian invasion of Ukraine and the loss of innocent life it is causing.
The Government has said the UK could take in more than 200,000 Ukrainian refugees displaced by the continuing violence.
Oadby & Wigston Borough Council vows to work closely with Leicestershire partners and the Government to be ready to help refugees who may end up in the county seeking refuge. We will welcome these Ukrainians into our communities with open arms.
As a gesture of our solidarity, the Ukranian flag now flies above Peace Memorial Park in Wigston and the council offices are lit in blue and yellow each evening.
The Disasters Emergency Committee, a coalition of 15 leading UK charities, has launched a collective appeal to provide emergency aid to civilians suffering during the conflict. I encourage Oadby & Wigston residents to support this cause if they have the means to do so.
Many registered charities are also helping to provide vital life-saving services to those caught up in the conflict, including those forced to flee to neighbouring countries. These include the Red Cross, Save the Children, UNICEF and The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
Together we can and will make a real difference to the lives of many of those people displaced and living in crisis due to the invasion of Ukraine.
Thank you for your support.
Councillor John Boyce
Leader of Oadby & Wigston Borough Council
Last updated: Thursday, 7 April 2022 11:47 am