DEDICATED ADVICE SERVICE FOR UKRAINIAN GUESTS IN THE SOUTH HAMS

Citizens Advice South Hams is encouraging people to use a special advice service for the 220 Ukrainian guests and their hosts in the area.
The Ukrainian Guests Support Scheme provides free, independent and confidential advice on a wide range of subjects such as employment, housing, childcare, education and benefits.
Citizens Advice South Hams Chief Executive, Janie Moor, said:
“This holistic support can cover any area where help is needed. Our aim is to help people adjust to their lives in the UK by supporting them to feel at home in the community. Our goal is to help you find a way forward, whatever problem you face. Our work is also to help maintain good relations between the host individuals/families and their guests.”
The one-to-one support service can be contacted on a dedicated phone number: 01803-659744, or by email: ukrainiansupport@southhamscab.org.uk
CASE STUDY:
Danilo and his immediate and extended family came to the South Hams due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Their sponsor died and, whilst the widow was allowing them to stay, they wanted help to access alternative accommodation as where they were staying was used as a holiday let during the summer months.
Danilo was referred to the Ukrainian Project worker, who was able to help the client carry out an affordability check to ensure they could sustain a tenancy and helped him familiarise himself with the costs and processes involved with renting.
Danilo was helped to access social housing, as well as being helped to navigate the benefit system with the aim of getting support for housing costs. With a Universal Credit claim in place this will result in Danilo receiving more than £8,000 in support with rental costs.
(Name changed to protect confidentiality).