Marking two years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, councils reaffirm support for Ukrainian households living in the Vale and South Oxfordshire

Cllr Helen Pighills, Cabinet Member for Community Health and Wellbeing at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: 

“The UK was one of the first countries that started to support Ukraine and welcomed Ukrainians who fled the war zone. Our unwavering support, and our communities’ ongoing welcome and help for Ukrainians seeking refuge is just as important now as the initial response two years ago.

“I’m so proud of the huge efforts from residents, businesses and local communities who provide such heartfelt support for Ukrainian households living in the Vale. It’s been encouraging to see so many hosting arrangements working out well, providing much-needed stability for our guests.

“Over the past two years, we’ve worked very hard alongside our colleagues and communities from across the county to support hundreds of individuals and families from Ukraine who have arrived in the Vale of White Horse.

“As we continue this work, we do all we can to offer the warmest possible welcome and necessary support for those seeking safety here.”

Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: 

“With heavy hearts on the 24th February we mark two years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Our thoughts are with the 400 or so South Oxfordshire Ukrainian residents living with loss and uncertainty as to when the war might end.

“We will continue to do all that we can to make them feel welcome and supported. That is why South Oxfordshire District Council passed a motion to call on the Minister for Immigration to remove uncertainty around their ability to remain in the country beyond the three-year temporary visas many of which are due to expire in 2025.”

“I also want to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has welcomed and hosted families and individuals from Ukraine, providing vital sanctuary and community during the ongoing conflict.

“Many people who came forward to offer to host guests from Ukraine when war first broke out have continued those hosting arrangements – and we are so thankful for their generosity.

“Over the last two years, we’ve worked with our partners to deliver a co-ordinated county-wide response to provide people seeking refuge with accommodation and safety.”

South Oxfordshire District Council passed a motion on 22 February and resolved to continue to collaborate with Oxfordshire councils, statutory and voluntary sector partners in the development of a strategic approach for supporting people seeking sanctuary from any background which is coherent, effective, and compassionate.

Details of the motion are on the council’s website.

Support for Ukrainian guests living in South Oxfordshire and the Vale is co-ordinated by the councils’ Community Hub. People who need help can get in touch with the Community Hub: call 01235 422600 (option 3) or email communitysupport@southandvale.gov.uk

The councils also work with the wider Oxfordshire Migration Partnership to support both Ukrainian guests and their hosts. This includes initial arrival needs, access to funding, health, language and employment support, and working with our housing team for assistance and advice.

Find out more on our Support for Ukraine webpage.

If you’re interested in becoming a host through Homes for Ukraine, please visit the Sponsor Support page on the Oxfordshire County Council website.

[ends]