KIND-hearted families in Warwickshire who have opened their homes and hearts to Ukrainian refugees are being thanked at a series of events.
With the county now hosting nearly 1,000 Ukrainians through its Homes for Ukraine scheme, Warwickshire County Council (WCC) is organising drop-in events throughout the county to express gratitude to host families.
The County’s Homes for Ukraine team has booked sessions in each of the districts and boroughs for Ukrainian guests and their sponsor families to come along and meet the team, share a mince pie and celebrate Christmas across different cultures.
The events will also be a chance for sponsor families and guests to meet people in similar circumstances, make contacts and establish or strengthen support networks.
WCC’s Environment, Climate and Culture spokeswoman Coun Heather Timms said: “Warwickshire County Council is extremely proud of its residents. Warwickshire has established a reputation as being a welcoming county for those in need of refuge or asylum.
“But the war in Ukraine has not ended and that means that the need for hosts is still a priority and crucial. The council remains committed to fully supporting sponsor families, and these events will be a great means of establishing links within the various communities – council, guests, sponsor households – so that we can do that effectively.
“We would be very grateful for all possible help in spreading the word about these events so that we can continue to be welcoming. There is a continued need for new hosts in the county and if anyone is considering opening their homes to Ukrainian refugees, I urge them to come along and let us help you to do so.
“We appreciate that opening a home to strangers is a very important decision but those who have done so are making a massive difference to innocent people whose lives have been torn apart.
“If you feel you are able and would like to take this step, please know that the council, its partners and many residents in Warwickshire will be there to support you. Come along to one of the events and see for yourself how that support might look.
“The drop-in events that will take place across the county and will give the opportunity to everyone to meet the Homes for Ukraine support team. The team will be available for questions during the events and give you more details and information about the scheme.”
The drop-in events are as follows:
- November 26, 10am-12pm – Leamington Library, Royal Pump Rooms, The Parade, Leamington, CV32 4AA
- December 3, 10.30am-12.30pm – Stratford Library, 12 Henley St, Stratford, CV37 6PZ
- December 5, 4-6pm – Arley and St Michael’s Community Centre, Gun Hill, Arley, CV7 8HA
- December 7, 4-6pm – Harbour Centre, 12 Congreve Walk, Bedworth, CV12 8LY
- December 10, 10am-12pm – Rugby Library, Little Elborow St, Rugby CV21 3BZ
All events are free of charge and there is no need to book in advance.
Email [email protected] to register an interest in supporting Ukrainian refugees via the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
