New funding is being made available to community and voluntary groups, as well as charities, in Bath and North East Somerset that are supporting refugees from Ukraine.
The second round of the Ukraine Support Fund has been opened by Bath & North East Somerset Council to support the integration of Ukrainian guests into communities to help promote their wellbeing, independence and skills.
The money, allocated by central government, could be used to provide services for Ukrainian groups including help with housing, organising community events or accessing translation services.
The local authority is particularly welcoming applications from organisations supporting sponsors through:
- Assisting with ongoing housing needs
- Help in recruiting new landlords
- Help for getting guests tenancy ready
The first round of funding allocated in August 2022 supported seven organisations, including Oasis Pantry in Bath which received funding to provide culturally appropriate food and household items.
Team Bath Rhythmic Gymnastics Club received funds to aid training that will help children with their passion for sport whilst in the UK.
Applications for the second round of funding are now open and a total of £10,000 is available. Bids are invited from charities, volunteer and community groups to benefit the groups of refugees they are supporting.
Organisations can apply for up to £500 for a one-off event, or up to £2,000 to establish new services or extend an existing one.
Applications can be made at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/apply-ukraine-support-fund.
The fund has been set up primarily to support people arriving from Ukraine, but the projects could be widened to include refugees from other countries.
Councillor Dine Romero, cabinet member for Children and Young People, and Communities, said: “Many kind residents have opened their homes to people escaping danger in Ukraine, providing a safe haven.
“There are also many community groups and charities who are helping Ukrainian guests rebuild their lives by helping them towards living independently.
“We are encouraging local organisations who have detailed understanding of the needs of the Ukrainian guests they support to apply to the fund, especially if they are assisting with housing needs or recruiting new landlords. The grants will ultimately help people to flourish in their new communities.”
The second round of funding will be available until 31st March 2023 but will close earlier if all funds have been allocated.
All applications must:
- Benefit a group of people, not an individual person.
- Be a charity, voluntary or community organisation that operates for the benefit of the local community and is not for profit.
- Have a constitution and valid bank account or a lead organisation, with a constitution and valid bank account.
- Show at least one of the following ways it will support Ukrainian Refugees:
- Promote Health and Wellbeing
- Promote Independence
- Improve English Language Skills
- Assist with Employment Skills
- Help Integration into local communities
Anyone needing help applying online can contact Mark Hayward on 01225 396975 or email [email protected].
