Looking at how Buckinghamshire Council are with you every step of the way, as you do something amazing
Buckinghamshire Council is calling for more people to sponsor Ukrainian guests in the county, becoming so-called ‘Rematching Sponsors’ to provide a temporary home for local Ukrainian individuals and families who are moving out of their initial accommodation.
Ivanna arrived in the UK on 25 March 2022 as one of the first Ukrainians to flee the war in their country. Under the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme and with the support of her sponsor and Buckinghamshire Council she settled quickly into life with her sponsor family.
Ivanna said: “I am grateful to have an opportunity to stay in the UK during such a difficult time. The UK government and sponsors have been so welcoming and arranged for all possible help one could think of. I did not speak English when I arrived in the UK, however there was a lot of help with signing-up for English courses which helped me greatly with settling down. Also, I had a lot of support in terms of finding job opportunities. Our local coordinators are always in close communication too and can assist with any questions that may come up – I feel safe and warmly welcomed.”
Martin Tett, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, commented: “I am pleased that Ivanna has been looked after so well during her stay with us in Buckinghamshire. Leaving friends, family, and everything you know is incredibly hard and we remain dedicated to supporting our arriving guests and sponsors through every step of the transition process.
“Like Ivanna’s sponsors, while many residents are happy to extend and continue to sponsor people from Ukraine, for some it isn’t feasible to continue beyond the first six months – which is why there is an immediate requirement to encourage and support people to register their interest in becoming Rematching Sponsors.”
Rematching is vitally important as it offers guests the opportunity to stay in the same community they have already settled in. Tania talks about her experience of rematching: “I came to the UK with my 9-year-old son and 75-year-old mother. After our initial sponsorship ended, we were struggling to find a private rental property we could afford. We asked the council for help with a rematch and they found a wonderful host called Fiona who has a beautiful dog who my son loves.
“Before Fiona came forward to help us we thought we would have to be split up to find suitable housing, but now we are able to stay together. Fiona is very supportive and gives us all kinds of practical advice. I am so grateful to everybody who helps and supports Ukrainians in these hard times and I admire the generosity of your hearts.”
More information, including the wealth of support available, can be found online: buckinghamshire.gov.uk/become-a-rematching-sponsor
