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10th November 2022

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Host & Guest e-newsletter

Welcome to the latest issue of our host and guest e-newsletter. If you can, why not sit down together to read it?

If there are any specific topics you want us to cover or if there's anything you’re unclear on, let us know by emailing your feedback and content suggestions to: homesforukraine@lincolnshire.gov.uk

How to rent in England

Do you want to know more about renting in England? The government's 'How to rent' checklist is now available in Ukrainian and Russian, as well as English: 

For guests who are hoping to rent their own property in England, here are some tips from other Ukrainian guests that have already been successful in signing a tenancy:

  1. Whilst you are living with a host, you may be contributing to bills and buying food but you will not be paying rent. Use the time with your host to save up towards a deposit (at least two months' rent payments) and money for any furniture you might need when you move into your own home. Without a UK credit history, landlords may ask for up to six months' rent in advance.
  2. Learning English will help you to find work and also communicate with a landlord or letting agent. You can do this at face-to-face classes or online - find a course near you.
  3. Landlords or letting agents will often want to check credit history. You could open a savings account with your bank and save a certain amount every month to demonstrate that you can manage your finances and do it on a regular basis (like paying rent).
  4. If you are on benefits or a low income you might be able to get the housing costs element of Universal Credit.  You could work this out before so it helps you understand how much rent you can afford to pay.
  5. Lots of people are looking for private rented homes right now and it is very competitive. Talk to your host about your plans as they may be able to give you advice about where to look locally. Look online every day but also visit local estate agents face to face, talk to friends at your nearest community group. Someone you know may know a private landlord who could be willing to help you. Some useful websites are OpenRent, Rightmove, Socciio and SpareRoom. 
  6. Be as flexible as you can be and search for homes in a wider geographical area.
  7. Get in touch if you need further help and advice at ukraine.wellbeing@e-lindsey.gov.uk or your local district council.

We are also looking to engage private landlords specifically around renting to Ukrainian guests, so if you are a private landlord or know one, we’d be very keen to hear from you.

So far, we're aware of 65 Ukrainian families or individuals who have already successfully ‘moved on’ into private rented accommodation across the county. If you're able to share any experiences of accessing the private rental market in Lincolnshire, please let us know at homesforukraine@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

Model licence/tenancy agreements for hosts and guests

Some hosts find it useful to sign an agreement with their guests so everyone is clear on the terms of their stay. This can help with setting boundaries and outlining dos and don’ts for both parties. Certain mortgage lenders may also ask for an agreement to be signed (check with your lender).

If your guests are sharing accommodation with you, for example using guest bedrooms and sharing a kitchen with you, the Excluded Licence Agreement is most suitable:

  • Excluded Licence Agreement

- Download in English
- Download in Ukrainian
- Download in Russian

If your guests are living in self-contained accommodation (such as a holiday let) then the Excluded Tenancy Agreement is most suitable:

  • Excluded Tenancy Agreement

- Download in English
- Download in Ukrainian
- Download in Russian

Free Open University course
Introduction to Ukrainian language and culture

Are you interested in finding out about Ukraine, its people and its rich cultural heritage? If so, why not look at this free online course from the Open University? The course also offers learners the chance to engage with like-minded others and provide mutual support and advice.

There are also a range of further free resources to support Ukrainians settling in the UK (now available as a Ukrainian language version).

Duggee and the Welcome Badge!

Some of our younger guests may like to watch this special new episode of Hey Duggee. 

Duggee is joined by two new characters, Mavka and Swampy, characters from the Ukrainian film 'Mavka. The Forest Song'. The episode also features singing from Ukrainian children living in the UK, singing in their native language. The episode hopes to welcome Ukrainian children to the UK and show that friendship can cross any language barrier.

Events
Employability & Support Morning, Grantham

Thank you to everyone who attended our Employability and Support Morning in Grantham last Wednesday. It was a real success with almost 60 Ukrainian guests in attendance from across South Kesteven. We were joined by several employers including Moy Park, Caring Companions, Avon, Environcon, Travail Recruitment Agency, MPC Healthcare, Ambitions Personnel and Reflect Recruitment. The National Careers Service was also on hand to offer CV support.

We're looking to hold more of these events across the county and our next one will take place in Spalding in early December. This will be open to guests in Boston, Bourne, Holbeach, Sleaford, Spalding and Stamford. We're also planning an event in the East Lindsey area in early 2023. Look out for more details soon.

Christmas Party for Ukrainian Families and Sponsors, Boston

This fun, festive event for guests and hosts is taking place at Centenary Methodist Church in Boston from 1 - 4pm on Saturday 17 December 2022. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance.

Address details: Centenary Methodist Church, Red Lion Street, Boston PE21 6NY

Your events

Please send any events for this newsletter to: homesforukraine@lincolnshire.gov.uk

New or existing events, activities and any other support services open to Ukrainian guests can also be added to the 'Connect to Support' directory by completing the sign-up form (add ‘Ukraine Support’ to the title of your listings).

Ukrainian Community Groups 

We want to use this newsletter to showcase some of the fantastic work being done by Ukrainian community groups across Lincolnshire. We were pleased to speak to Stamford Diversity Group - read more below. If you'd like us to showcase what's going on in your local community, please email homesforukraine@lincolnshire.gov.uk so we can get in touch. 

Stamford Diversity Group

Since its inception in March this year, Stamford Diversity Group has given Ukrainian guests a warm welcome, offering a wide range of activities and events in the local community. These have included art exhibitions, a peace walk, a welcome meal, concerts and film-screenings. The group has also held several fundraising events, raising money for both the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal and local Ukrainians.

The group is currently planning a mini exhibition and documentary-screening at Stamford Arts Centre as well as a festive family party for local Ukrainians at Stamford College taking place from 5-7pm on Thursday 12 January 2023, which will feature a performance from a newly formed Ukrainian choir. To find out more please email stamforddiversitygroup@gmail.com

Visit the Stamford Diversity Group website.

Fiddler on the Roof at Lincoln Castle – be a part of the show!

The Starring Lincoln Theatre Company, whose sell out productions at Lincoln Cathedral have featured thousands of local performers, is producing the musical ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ at Lincoln Castle in 2024 and invites you to be part of the show. 

The ethos of the company is that there should be no barrier to participation. All they ask is that you are committed and energetic in rehearsal and wanting to help create something special.

‘Fiddler on the Roof’ is a timeless, universally joyous and moving story of tradition, change, family, resilience and the triumph of the human spirit.

The company’s first get together is on Thursday 17 November 2022 at The Salthouse (Free School Lane, Lincoln LN2 1EY). Anyone that might be unavailable for the July 2024 performances is still urged to get involved as there will be regular workshops in the New Year, which are fun in their own right and a great way to make friends, new connections and an opportunity to tell stories.

Sign up or email starringlincoln@gmail.com for further information.

Important Links
'Wellbeing Lincs'

'Wellbeing Lincs' offers emotional and practical support, help with accessing health, education, benefits and council services, including housing to all hosts and guests in Lincolnshire. 

For help, email ukraine.wellbeing@e-lindsey.gov.uk with your name, address, contact information and a brief description of what you need.

The team will aim to be in touch within two working days. They can also be contacted by phone on 01507 613044 from 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday or 10am to 4.30pm on Fridays. 

 

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