WINCHESTER city council has announced £50,000 of funding to help Ukrainian guests in the district adjust to life in the UK.

The Independence and Integration Support Fund, provided by Government funding and distributed through Hampshire County Council, is targeted at Ukrainians on the Homes for Ukraine visa scheme whose hosts live in the district.

Up to £500 is available to be put towards a specific need that helps Ukrainians with living independently and becoming more of a part of their local communities – whether that’s removing language barriers, improving employability, or providing digital connectivity.

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Activities that can be supported through the fund include taking employment qualifications or language courses, purchasing a phone or laptop, or participating in community activities.

This grant for Ukrainians is the latest funding from Winchester City Council designed to help those facing financial difficulty across the district.

The Assist grant, available to council tenants via referral, can be used for one-off unexpected payments such as replacing a broken washing machine or purchasing a phone to access digital services and employment opportunities.

Another fund, the Exceptional Housing Cost Fund, is open to anyone in the district. Provided by Hampshire County Council and administered through Winchester City Council, the fund gives emergency support with things like food, energy, water and essential household expenditure.

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Speaking about the funding, Winchester City Council cabinet member for community and engagement Cllr Kathleen Becker said: “We have a proud history in Winchester of helping people seek refuge at times of conflict and, when the crisis in Ukraine began, we saw our community come together to provide safe homes for people when they needed it most – that’s something to be really proud of.

“Our Ukrainian guests have become a valued part of our district and are keen to be actively involved in our community.

“I’m therefore really pleased to be able to announce this funding, which will open up important opportunities for those on the Homes for Ukraine scheme as they continue their journey towards independent living in our country.”