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Ukraine crisis

Bedford Borough has a long history of being open and welcoming to migrants and refugees. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the desperate situation in Ukraine and we are ready and willing to welcome and support families fleeing the country. We will do all we can to support organisations working in the UK and abroad to help.

A statement from Mayor Dave Hodgson: "The situation in Ukraine is appalling and the people of that proud country are suffering untold hardship. I am though proud of Bedford Borough’s long standing reputation of supporting people fleeing conflicts around the world. Once again our local communities are stepping up to support people in this terrible situation. We look forward to welcoming and supporting Ukrainians who arrive in our Borough."

We have produced some information and guidance for Ukrainians and residents, please check back as this page is being updated regularly.

Information and support for Ukrainians

If you are still in Ukraine, help and support is available:

If you have arrived in Bedford Borough and have nowhere to live please contact our Housing Team on 01234 718008 or email ukrainesupport@bedford.gov.uk.

Once you have found somewhere to live this welcome pack for Ukrainians arriving in the UK covers what you need to know in your first few days, getting used to life in the UK including how to access healthcare, childcare, education services, and how to find work.

You can also read Bedford Borough’s Welcome Pack here.

See also this information leaflet from British Red Cross which explains your rights and gives information on services you can access.

More help and support is available from:

Information for Bedford Borough residents wanting to become a host/sponsor

The Homes for Ukraine programme enables UK residents to volunteer accommodation for Ukrainian refugees. If you want to offer a home to people fleeing Ukraine, you can become a ‘sponsor’ as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

To apply to be a sponsor you must be able to offer accommodation in a spare room or separate self-contained accommodation for a minimum of six months.

We will complete property and safeguarding checks on sponsors who have successfully sponsored a Ukrainian after their visa application has been made.

If you do not know a named Ukrainian you will only be able to record your interest in becoming a sponsor. The government will try to match you to a Ukrainian via charities and other organisations.

You can also contact charities directly who may be able to match you to an individual or family. Some charities that are doing this include:

Further guidance for sponsors:

If you already know a Ukrainian national (or immediate family member) who you want to sponsor, you can help them apply for a visa under the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.

Help and support when you are hosting

You can email ukrainesupport@bedford.gov.uk or phone 01234 718008 for more information.

  • We will provide a school places for children of school age and we will be given extra funding so that it does not impact the school places of children currently in Bedford Borough.
  • We will provide advice and referrals to public health services where appropriate, such as mental health services, adult social care, and children’s services.
  • We will provide an interim support payment of £200 to your guest.
  • We will administer optional ‘thank you’ payments of £350 per month to sponsors.

The £350 thank you payment will be issued one month in arrears after your guests have arrived and following checks being carried out by the Council, which will include a visit to your home.

You can apply for this payment here: £350 'thank you' payment.  

Become a Ukrainian Guest support volunteer

We are working with The Harpur Trust and PBIC to coordinate care and support for guests from Ukraine arriving in Bedford Borough. 

Visit PBIC to find out about becoming a Ukrainian Guest support volunteer or email them at UGV@pbic.org.uk. 

Translations and interpreters

Ukrainian to English language support - including translations of key documents needed for visa applications - is available from Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI).

How to make a donation

You can donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

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