Monthly Update from the Team at the Hub – March 2023
Updated Information and Links
The government has recently released a number of updates to recognise the contributions that sponsors and local authorities have made to provide certainty to those supporting guests as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme. These include extending the £350 ‘thank you’ payments from 12 months to a maximum of two years, and increasing the payments to £500 per month once the guest has been in the UK for 12 months. More details are available here Homes for Ukraine: sponsor guides – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
And a reminder that if your guests are moving out, entering private rented accommodation or returning to the Ukraine, please update with the leaving date via H4U@wiltshire.gov.uk
Key links that you might find useful:
The government has added a Ukrainian translation to the guidance on what Ukrainian guests need to do before they travel to the UK and what they do after they arrive.
Help for Ukrainian nationals in the UK (redcross.org.uk) – information and support for people from Ukraine
Wiltshire Together website for community information Supporting Wiltshire’s Refugees – Wiltshire Together
Welcome! A guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK (publishing.service.gov.uk)
“English With Ukrainians” is a free resource. Ukrainian translators still in the Ukraine translate lessons and discuss linguistic/cultural differences. There are also activities that are suitable for host families to do with Ukrainian guests.
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChzPezzBTkm8bu2lrr5y0UA –
- Assets Publishing: Welcome guidance in Ukranian (український)
- Assets Publishing: Welcome guidance in Russian (Русский)
- GOV.UK: Guidance Homes for Ukraine: sponsor guidance
- Homes for Ukraine scheme: frequently asked questions (www.gov.uk)
Courses and Activities
Free – English and other courses through Open University
The Open University is offering a new series of free courses in Ukrainian on OpenLearn to support Ukrainian customers, including Everyday English.
All the content is accessible and free to use. On completion it’s possible to issue confirmation that the course was passed, (the document is downloaded in PDF format).
Some courses give participants the opportunity to obtain a digital badge that they can demonstrate online and share with potential employers.
Everyday English
АНГЛІЙСЬКА НА КОЖЕН ДЕНЬ – OpenLearn – Open University
Free courses to support Ukrainians
Crafting at the Community Café, Baptist Church, Brown Street
14th March 10am – 1pm for Mothers Day
4th April 10am – 1230 for Easter
Free dance class
The first session took place on 9th March and was a joyful experience for everyone who attended. It is a ladies only eastern dance class and everyone is welcome. If you would like to attend contact Jane at admin@salisburyukrainehub.org.uk
Mental Health Support
Alabare are offering a mental health service. For further details go to: https://www.alabare.co.uk/home/riverside-sanctuary/mental-health
Alabare can give this support counselling to anyone aged 16yrs or older. The main criteria is that you need to be registered with a GP here in Wiltshire.
Employment
Sonder Coffee, 35 High Street, Salisbury are looking for a number of positions for their expanding enterprise. Contact them at sondercoffee35@gmail.com
Hub Activities
The Hub is open every Friday between 10 -12 and we look forward to seeing you for coffee, catch up, advice and English lessons.
English Classes
English classes continue to be run at Salisbury Methodist Church on Thursdays and Fridays with a new class for intermediates on Thursdays from February.
Beginners
- Thursdays 10.30-12.00
- Fridays 10.30-11.30
Intermediates
- Thursdays 1030-1200
- Fridays 10.30-11.30
No hub on April 7 as it is Good Friday. The Salisbury Methodist Church have a service at 10.30am to which everyone is invited.
General Advice Reminder
The Salvation Army, Cara Upham, 6 – 10 Salt Lane (07552 863060, cara.upham@salvationarmy.org.uk) is the Employment Plus support worker with the remit to support people looking for work.
Visit the Salvation Army on Saturdays for free clothing.
The Citizens Advice Bureau. There are a range of ways to get in touch with them – they can give advice on most topics that might concern you, including housing and agreements. They advise on the phone, email or webchat or you can book a face-to-face appointment. This is their website to give you an idea of what you might need and how to access advice.
https://www.citizensadvicewiltshire.org.uk/
Salisbury library offers a warm and friendly welcome this winter, together with lots of useful advice.
The Foodbank at Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays a Foodbank is available at St Pauls Church, Fisherton Street, Salisbury.