2nd February 2022
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?
Rematching – how does it work?
We know that a lot of host and guest relationships are approaching the 12 month mark, and whilst many of you will be planning to continue with your current arrangements, this won’t be possible for everyone.
Although we’re working hard to find new hosts across Lincolnshire, we can’t guarantee that we’ll be able to find guests another host in their preferred area. Some parts of the county have high demand with a shortage of new hosts, so we strongly recommend you, both as hosts and guests, start thinking about your next steps as soon as possible and have an open and honest conversation to develop a plan together.
The Homes for Ukraine team will continue to contact all hosts after four months and 10 months of hosting a guest on the scheme to find out how things are going and whether the plan is to carry on hosting. You continue to share valuable information which will help us plan and support you going forward and for those that are able to do so, we’re incredibly grateful for your continued generosity, which will be very reassuring for your guests.
How to find a new host
When you know your arrangement is coming to an end, we encourage both guests and hosts to use their own networks to find a new host in the local area. This could be through someone that you already know (guest or host) a recognised provider, local faith groups, community groups or charities in your local area. Recently we have supported rematches within host’s extended family members.
If you’re able to secure a new host by any of the suggested means, the next step is to email homesforukraine@lincolnshire.gov.uk so they can undertake the necessary checks and organise ‘thank you’ payments (these increase to £500 per month once the guest has been in the country for 12 months). If you’re planning to move to another part of the UK, you also need to contact the Lincolnshire Homes for Ukraine team to let them know.
If you’ve done the above and are still struggling to find a new host independently, please contact us at homesforukraine@lincolnshire.gov.uk for further support and advice.
Renting private accommodation
If you want to know more about renting in England, please read the government's 'How to rent' checklist:
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:
- 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 and advance rent payments. Without a UK credit history, landlords may ask for up to six months' rent in advance.
- 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).
- 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. If you are struggling to find a course, please let us know at homesforukraine@lincolnshire.gov.uk
- 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.
- Lots of people are looking for private rented homes right now and it’s 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 and 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.
- Be as flexible as you can be and search for homes in a wider geographical area.
- Get in touch if you need further help and advice at wellbeing@e-lindsey.gov.uk
- Shelter and Citizens Advice also offer advice on renting in the UK
- The Opora website also has a really useful How to Rent overview for Ukrainians looking to rent a property in the UK. There is also a specific Housing Support Channel on Telegram which is moderated and run by Opora experts and volunteers. This community support Telegram channel offers direct answers to questions about housing and rental in the UK.
- There are many online companies that advertise properties to rent in the private sector, we suggest guests try these in the first instance to understand availability and costs for their preferred area, so they can understand their options and make informed choices.
So far, we're aware of over 100 Ukrainian families or individuals who have been staying in Lincolnshire who have already successfully ‘moved on’ into private rented accommodation. 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.
Support from your local housing team
After accessing the above online resources, if you have more questions or if you have found a potential vacancy, guests can get in touch with the relevant district council (the one that covers the area they live in now) for advice and support in accessing the private rented sector, but please remember this is only if sponsors are unable to continue to host.
Please also bear in mind that there is high demand for social housing in most parts of the country and so even those with priority for social housing may have to wait for some time before a home which meets their needs becomes available.
Housing options – who to contact for advice and guidance?
Boston Borough Council
City of Lincoln Council
East Lindsey District Council
- Housing webpages
- Council Tax support information
- housing.hub@e-lindsey.gov.uk or 01507 613135 (option 1)
North Kesteven District Council
South Holland District Council
South Kesteven District Council
West Lindsey District Council
Mental health support for guests
We recognise that hosts and guests may need help understanding how to access healthcare services and in particular mental health services, and thought it might be helpful to highlight a few routes:
- Via a GP practice NHS mental health services in Lincolnshire are provided by Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation Trust. GP surgeries will offer Ukrainian guests an initial health check, this will also include additional screening questions to identify if any further mental health support is required. GPs are available to speak to about mental health issues, and there are some mental health services that can only be accessed following a GP referral.
- Self-referral There are also some mental health services in Lincolnshire that residents can self-refer to (it is helpful to still be registered with a GP though): Lincolnshire Talking Therapies and Shine Lincolnshire offer mental health services for adults. Healthy Minds Lincolnshire is a mental health service for children. There may also be support available to children through their school.
- NHS UK website The main NHS website has a ‘How to access mental health services’ portal where you can search for services available in your locality. This will loop back to some of the services mentioned above, but it should provide a comprehensive list of what can be accessed via the NHS in Lincolnshire.
H.A.Y. Lincolnshire
How Are You (H.A.Y.) Lincolnshire is a family of websites that bring together everything in the local community that boosts wellbeing.
Connecting with others, getting active, learning a new skill, being creative, seeking professional support, exploring the outdoors, volunteering – all of these things (and more) can improve our wellbeing. However, it isn’t always easy to know what is out there locally or to feel comfortable trying something new.
From yoga to singing, sports clubs to arts groups, or perhaps somewhere to talk or get a cup of tea, H.A.Y. brings you ideas of local things to do to get a wellbeing boost. Plus a wide range of local professional support. Visit the H.A.Y. website to find out more.
Calling all hosts and guests in the Skegness area
Would you be interested in running or participating in a community group supporting Ukrainians in Skegness? There aren’t currently any groups in this area but if there’s sufficient interest and volunteers come forward to run a group, we may be able to support with finding a venue.
If you’re interested, please email our Community Support Coordinator: joy@upbeatcommunities.org
Bizet’s ‘Carmen’ performed by the Dnipro Opera from Ukraine
New Theatre Royal, Lincoln: 7.30pm on Thursday 2 March 2023
The Baths Hall, Scunthorpe: 7.30pm on Sunday 5 March 2023
Feel the thrill of fiery passion, jealousy and violence of 19th century Seville in Bizet’s most popular opera. Featuring an impressive cast and accompanied by a live orchestra numbering over 30 musicians, sung in French with English Surtitles.
We are looking into the possibility of arranging a limited number of free tickets for hosts and guests on the Homes for Ukraine scheme in Lincolnshire. Please complete our short online form to register your interest.
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).
‘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.
If you need to have a potentially difficult conversation with your host / guest, the 'Wellbeing Lincs' team may be able help you navigate this. They are trained in providing mediation and can support you in talking things through openly and honestly to reach a solution.
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.