People in the South Hams wanting to offer accommodation to support people fleeing from Ukraine are being given advice on how to go about it.

Over 200 people in Devon have put themselves forward as a sponsor.

To become a recognised sponsor, and to qualify for any payments and support, people must register on the Homes for Ukraine website. They will be security checked as will all members of their household over 16 and have their criminal record checked by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

Accommodation must meet basic minimum criteria and people should to be able to host for a minimum of six months

It is necessary to check with mortgage and home insurance providers that they will not be breaking their terms and conditions.

Once people have registered on the Homes for Ukraine site they have three options-

Communities and Refugees have launched a matching and training service for sponsors and refugees under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

A number of charities and non-government organisations are working to offer services to match potential sponsors and Ukrainian households seeking to come to the UK.

Once registered you may wish to approach a charity and register your interest with them. In Devon, the Diocese of Exeter has partnered with the charity Citizens UK to act as a key sponsor locally to coordinate providing homes for Ukrainian refugees and ongoing support. The third option is to find a match yourself. People will need the name of a Ukrainian individual or family they wish to sponsor. Once you have identified and contacted a Ukrainian person or family that you wish to host, you or the Ukrainian person must apply for a visa. A separate form must be completed for everyone who wishes to be sponsored and is intending to travel.

You can apply for a visa on the government’s website. There is no formal support for organising travel to the UK. Many operators are providing free or cheap fares.

Individuals will have 48 hours to make their onward journey from arrival in the country.

Once you are matched with a Ukraine citizen or family, and the visa application is completed, the Home Office passes your information to Devon County Council.

As a first step they are required to do a check with the Disclosure and Barring Service of all adults over 16 in your household.

All lead sponsors will be contacted by South Hams District Council to arrange the inspection of the property or properties that they have offered. The UK government ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme requires them to carry out a housing check which will happen in most cases after your guests have arrived, and has no bearing on the visa application process.

There is a one-off £200 payment for each guest. This will be paid by SHDC.

You are also entitled to a £350 per month ‘thank you’ payment from the government. This is optional. If claimed, it will be paid by SHDC. Payments will start once all the checks have been passed and your guests have arrived.

Find out more and register, as a sponsor or Ukrainian, on the Reset website: www.homesforukraine.org.uk