Supporting Ukraine
You will have witnessed the devastating impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the unfolding humanitarian crisis as more and more people are forced to flee their homes. Find out how you can help those in need.
Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme
If you want to be sponsored by a UK household for a minimum of six months, (or up to three years for an eligible unaccompanied minor), you may be able to apply to the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.
Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPE)
If you have been given permission to be in the UK under one of the Ukraine Schemes, you may be able to apply for a further 18 months permission to stay in the UK under the new Ukraine Permission Extension scheme.
If your initial period of UPE permission is coming to an end, you may be eligible to apply for a further 24-month extension under the scheme.
It is important that you know the date when your permission will end so that you apply to UPE in time. If you are unsure when your permission ends sign into your UKVI account to find out.
Find out more at GOV.UK:
Housing or sponsoring a refugee
You can record your interest at the following link:
If you have offered to be a sponsor under the Homes for Ukraine scheme you can find out more on the following page:
Children travelling without their parent or legal guardian
The Homes For Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme is also open to children under 18 who are not travelling with or joining their parent or legal guardian. They are known as ‘eligible children’ (where sponsor eligibility and parental or legal guardian consent needs are met).
Safeguarding checks on sponsors must be finished before new visa applications can be made by or on behalf of eligible children.
Planned sponsors can start their application process and begin safeguarding checks by filling in an online application form.
More guidance is available on GOV.UK via the following links:
Housing support
More information about your housing choices can be found by contacting the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) Ukrainian Resettlement Team on:
- phone: 03448 920900
- email: HomesforUkraine@nihe.gov.uk
An advisor will take your contact details and arrange for a housing advisor to contact you. Interpreting support will be given if needed.
You can also go to the NIHE Housing Clinic for Ukrainians every Tuesday at:
NIHE
The Housing Centre
1-11 May Street
Belfast
BT1 4NA
To make an appointment:
- email: HomesforUkraine@nihe.gov.uk
Donating food, clothes and other essentials
You may wish to contact charities or local community organisations to identify any specific support needed by refugees who have already arrived here.
You can also donate items to charity shops and some faith-based groups. The items you donate may not go directly to refugees, but the money raised helps charities to support them.
You can also donate food to your local food bank. Find out more:
Volunteering
Local refugee and other charity or support organisations may have volunteering opportunities available:
Help is available
It's important to know that you are not alone. There is support to answer questions or give you information should you need it.
If you need to speak to someone you can contact the Department for Communities Make the Call team:
- phone: 0800 232 1271
- email: makethecall@dfcni.gov.uk
Advisers will do their best to help you. But, if they are unable to answer your questions they'll pass them on to others who will contact you to help you.
Data handling
To support Ukrainian citizens fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, The Executive Office will be processing information about individuals and organisations who have offered support for those arriving, including accommodation.
Information will also be processed about Ukrainian citizens who have travelled to Northern Ireland. The data will be collected from multiple sources, including directly from individuals and organisations.