17th August 2023

A Big Lincolnshire Welcome Logo

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?

E-newsletter changes

We're making some changes to this e-newsletter and from 31 August 2023 our new look edition will be sent to you from a slightly different email address.

We'll continue to include useful updates, information and events so look out in your inbox every other Thursday (and remember to check your junk/spam folder and mark it as 'safe').

Homes for Ukraine guidance update: Learn to speak, read and write English

On Tuesday, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities updated the learn to speak, read and write English: Homes for Ukraine guidance, which includes added details on the government funding for STEP Ukraine, an English language and employment support programme for up to 10,000 Ukrainians across the UK. Enrolment to the programme is on a rolling basis, those interested are encouraged to register as soon as possible to secure a place in the programme.

The aim of STEP Ukraine is to help Ukrainians improve their English language skills and gain new employment or employment more in line with their skill level through the provision of English language training and employment support. The STEP Ukraine programme is delivered by World Jewish Relief in partnership with the British Council.

You can find out more about learning to speak English on ‘Connect to Support’.

Private rental accommodation in Lincolnshire

We know that the private rental sector is challenging for Ukrainian guests looking to move into their own accommodation. We want to engage private landlords specifically around renting to Ukrainian guests, so if you’re a private landlord or know one, we’d be very keen to hear from you.

So far, we're aware of over 150 Ukrainian families or individuals 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, please let us know at homesforukraine@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

Taylor ITEX CIC English Courses in Boston

Starting in September, Taylor ITEX CIC is running the following English courses at Black Sluice Lock Cottages and Fenside Community Centre in Boston.

English Taster
This ‘Introduction to English’ course is a short two hour session allowing you to meet the Tutor and to discuss what is the most suitable course for you to continue to improve your English speaking skills.
English for Speakers of Other Languages and Conversational English
These eight week courses are focussed on improving an individual’s confidence in English speaking and listening. Learners will have the opportunity to develop their conversation skills in various every day, functional, practical and relevant situations.

Please contact Julie Mitchell on 01205 360800 or email julie@tayloritex.co.uk for further information.

Child Benefit for parents and carers of teens staying in full-time education or training

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding parents and carers of teens staying in full-time education or training (see GOV.UK for the full list) that they need to let HMRC know to continue receiving Child Benefit payments. Individuals wanting to continue claiming Child Benefit are reminded to take action by 31 August 2023, or their payments will automatically stop.

Individuals with children aged 16 and 17 who confirm this online or on the HMRC app will see changes applied to their Child Benefit claim immediately, by  viewing their proof of entitlement.
Individuals with children 18 or over who are eligible can advise HMRC on an online form, and changes will be applied automatically.

12 month guest survey

All guests who are reaching 12 months of living in the UK and still in a hosting arrangement will receive an electronic survey via email from the Ukraine Wellbeing Team at Wellbeing Lincs. Please look out for an email from ukraine.wellbeing@e-lindsey.gov.uk (and also check your junk/spam folders).

We’d be grateful if you could take the time to complete the survey as it helps us to understand how we can support you further. We’re also starting to send the link out to those who haven’t responded via WhatsApp, Viber and Telegram so please look out for this if you’re on these platforms.

Reminder - funding available from the Lincolnshire Community Foundation’s 'Big Lincolnshire Welcome Fund'

In July, the Lincolnshire Community Foundation announced a further re-launch of the ‘Big Lincolnshire Welcome Fund’, thanks to a funding boost from the central government’s 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme via Lincolnshire County Council.

Any Ukrainian guests in Lincolnshire (excluding North and North East Lincolnshire), who have not previously applied and received support from the ‘Big Lincolnshire Welcome Fund’, can apply and choose for themselves what essential item(s) up to the value of £150 for an individual or £300 for a family unit, they need to feel welcomed and integrated into their new surroundings.

For full guidance and details of how to apply, please visit the Lincolnshire Community Foundation website.

Vyshyvanka Hub, Gainsborough

Vyshyvanka Hub in Gainsborough is a self-help support group for local people wanting to sponsor Ukrainian refugees, for Ukrainians now arriving in the town, their sponsors/hosts and anyone who is unable to sponsor or host but wants to help in other practical ways.

The Hub has regular meet ups in a Gainsborough coffee shop, giving guests a chance to meet with others, swap information and contact details and network.

Find out more by joining the Vyshyvanka Hub Facebook page.

Events

Ukrainian Independence Day Ceremony at International Bomber Command Centre, Lincoln
5.30-8.00pm, Thursday 24 August 2023

To commemorate Ukrainian Independence Day, the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Lincoln (UCCL) will be planting a Guelder Rose, the national shrub of Ukraine (called Kalyna in Ukraine) at the International Bomber Command Centre. The rose has a very deep and significant meaning to many Ukrainians and features prominently in Ukrainian music, literature and art. Its red berries adorn the bright vyshyvanka (name for embroidered blouse/shirts in Ukrainian national costumes) as well as the modern-day insignia of Ukraine’s armed forces.

The ceremony will honour the memory of all those who have died in the war with a minute’s silence. There will also be singing from the honoured artist of Ukraine, Tatyana Kyslyak, followed by a free buffet to end the event.

Please note that reservations are required as seats for the buffet are limited. Please contact UCCL to book.

Address Details: International Bomber Command Centre, Canwick Avenue, Lincoln LN4 2HQ

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.

Connect to Support Lincolnshire

Connect to Support is an online information and advice library, community directory and provider marketplace for people in Lincolnshire.

The Advice for Ukrainian Arrivals information pages are regularly updated and aim to guide Ukrainian guests to local services during their stay in Lincolnshire.

The in-built Google Translate function means that the information can easily be translated into both Ukrainian and Russian. You can also view past editions of this e-newsletter on the site.