By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
Nottinghamshire County Council is increasing the amount of funding available to voluntary organisations in Nottinghamshire wanting to help Ukrainians fleeing war.
The council says it has seen “significant early interest” in the Homes for Ukraine (HFU) grant programme to provide financial support to voluntary and community groups assisting refugees.
The HFU Scheme allows Ukrainians with no family ties to the UK to be sponsored by individuals or organisations who can offer them a home such as a spare room or unoccupied residential self-contained unit.
So far the council has awarded £39,895 to nine applicants including West Bridgford Scouts, the Bassetlaw Support Group and the Nottingham
Ukrainian Community Centre.
Newark & Sherwood CVS, Refugee Roots, St Johns Church in Worksop, Transform Training and the Ukrainian Cultural Centre have also been successful in applying for funding.
Given the interest in the scheme in Nottinghamshire since it was launched in July, the county council has decided to increase the amount of funding given to the Homes for Ukraine (HFU) programme from £100,000 to £200,000.
Applicants must “demonstrate how the fund can support emerging projects and activities that meet the identified additional needs of Ukraine refugees and the communities helping them”.
Projects and activities can include costs associated with supporting English language classes, advice and support on financial matters, tackling loneliness and isolation, promoting health and well-being and organising community events.
Organisations can apply for up to £5,000 per project/activity.
Council documents stated: “There has been significant early interest in the programme, as demonstrated by the number of applications already received. Further the number of Ukrainian refugees resettling in the County continues to increase.
“As such, it is proposed that a further £100,000 of the Government funding being provided to the Council for the Homes for Ukraine Scheme is used to increase the HFU grant programme from £100,000 to £200,000.”
