SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is renewing an appeal for residents to offer accommodation to Ukrainians forced to leave their country by war.
So far 360 people in the area have offered space in their homes to a total of 576 Ukrainian citizens since the Russian invasion two and a half years ago.
But the authority says it expects to need hosts for 70 new arrivals in the coming months.
The government provides funding to support hosts, with the payments recently increased from £350 to £500 per month, along with other forms of support.
The council’s role is to identify and prepare hosts, while connecting Ukrainians who arrive in the district with support to adapt to life in the UK.
The council’s Resettling Communities team also provides hosts and their guests with support for six months, including access to drop-in sessions, activities and events.
Support offered to Ukrainians includes advice on access to medical services, benefits, language lessons, employment, and re-housing.
A council spokesperson said the authority has had “tremendous success” in supporting Ukrainians, adding: “Almost all the school-aged children are in full time education.
“Over 80% of the adults have been supported into employment or enrolled in further education, and we have already supported over 60% with access to independent living in the community.”
For more information people can visit dedicated pages on the council website at www.southglos.gov.uk/ukraine.
People who are interested in hosting can email homesforukraine@southglos.gov.uk.