The initial 12-month sponsorship period will shortly end for those islanders who have welcomed Ukraine nationals into their homes as part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.
Contact is being made with all sponsors of the current 16 Ukraine nationals who came to the island as part of the Sponsorship Scheme, to check on their circumstances and see if they are able to continue with the scheme and renew their sponsorship.
It is expected that some sponsors will no longer be able to do so and the Committee for Home Affairs is sincerely grateful for the support they have provided.
The Committee has re-opened the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme to try and find other potential sponsors.
Any islander who is willing to help and has appropriate accommodation will be matched with a Ukrainian national already in the island.
The policy for the scheme, covers the key areas of eligibility for the scheme, the standards an individual will need to meet in order to become an approved sponsor, and the access to public services that Ukrainian beneficiaries can expect. These include public benefits such as Income Support.
Sponsors will receive payment of £349 per month, per household, to assist with cost of bills. Beneficiaries are not expected to pay rent to sponsors or work for them.
Deputy Rob Prow, President of the Committee for Home Affairs, said: “Through the sponsorship scheme we have welcomed 16 Ukrainian nationals to the island and placed them with approved sponsors. This is a tangible example of the huge generosity of islanders who have welcomed beneficiaries into their homes.
“We originally matched beneficiaries to sponsors for an initial 12-month period. We are approaching the end of that period so while we will be discussing with each sponsor whether they are able and willing to continue, we are conscious that for some it will not be possible. As such we are again appealing to the people of Guernsey for anyone who feels they are able to offer appropriate accommodation to a Ukrainian national already in the island, to contact our team so that we can review your circumstances.
“The people of Ukraine have been through so much and continue to suffer at the hands of Russian invaders, and the sponsorship scheme has provided a further opportunity for islanders to make a very tangible contribution. I would like to thank those who have welcomed people into their homes, third sector partners for their support, States of Guernsey staff for the support offered through various services, and all islanders for welcoming beneficiaries into our community.”
A current sponsor said the following about their experience: “Opening up our home to someone from Ukraine was a big decision but we couldn’t see pictures of the war on the TV every day and not do something to help. Our guest has settled in really easily. She’s independent and respectful – and fun and interesting too.
“We’re learning a lot about life in Ukraine and getting to see what Guernsey looks like through the someone else’s eyes. We’re proud to be keeping someone safe and will never forget the experience.”
If you believe you meet the eligibility requirements to become an Approved Sponsor and you would like to apply, please fill out the online form as soon as possible: Bailiwick of Guernsey Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme. A member of the Ukraine Coordination Support Team will then contact you.
