By Eleanor Holdsworth

MORE than 140 people joined Warwickshire County Council’s leader Cllr Izzy Seccombe on Wednesday night (23rd March 2022) at a virtual meeting for community, faith and voluntary groups about how they could help Ukrainian refugees coming to the county.

Cllr Izzy Seccombe said: “It’s appalling to all of us, the events that are happening, that are creating the most dreadful humanitarian crisis.”

She said: “I wanted us to be here tonight to help coordinate what we can do in Warwickshire. There have been many people who have been in touch with me, about how they can help Ukrainian refugees in their hour of need.”

Much of the discussion focussed on the new ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme, where UK sponsors can sign up to have Ukrainian guests living in their homes for at least 6 months.

>Find out more about the Homes for Ukraine scheme

> There is also a Facebook group for anyone in or around Rugby thinking of sponsoring Ukrainian guests under the scheme  

Cllr Seccombe talked about how the county could come together ‘in the next few weeks to support people who come here into the county.’

“I think there will be a great level of support.”

She likened the community’s spirit of generosity to that experienced at the beginning of the pandemic, when neighbours helped each other and rallied around the most vulnerable people.

“If we can coordinate the response then I believe that the people from Ukraine who come here will feel warmly welcomed.”

More than 140 people joined in the virtual meeting on Wednesday night, representing parish councils, faith, voluntary and community groups. Throughout the meeting there was a lively text chat where attendees shared their ideas and thoughts.

Warwickshire County Council’s strategic director of resources, Rob Powell, helped explain the Homes for Ukraine scheme to people in the meeting.

He began by thanking everyone for their interest and kindness.

Mr Powell explained that Warwickshire had the highest number of existing Ukrainian residents in the West Midlands except for Birmingham), according to ONS figures.

He said: “People coming - we expect to be women, children and the elderly. Volunteer and faith groups can really help us with the welcome to our guests. To help people find their bearings after a very traumatic period - and ongoing trauma. Helping people to settle in…to support the network of sponsors.”

Anyone wanting to give Warwickshire County Council information about support or offers of help should contact their dedicated email address, ukraine@warwickshire.gov.uk