Become a Homes for Ukraine host
If you would like to become a Homes for Ukraine host, the first step is to contact Cornwall Council Resettlement Service to register your interest.
You can also download our Homes for Ukraine host pack to find out more and visit the page about the wider UK Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Our process for host applications
Once you have registered an expression of interest in becoming a Homes for Ukraine host, Cornwall Council follow a set process including:
- safeguarding system check
- initial property check
- host applicant family DBS check
- check of existing Council data to screen for any known safeguarding concerns related either to the individual host or the property.
At the initial property check proof of identification for the DBS process will be sought. Resettlement Service colleagues will take photographic evidence of identification documents.
All adults within the host applicant household must provide identification documents before an application can progress.
A list of accepted Identification documents for Basic and Enhanced DBS checks is included below. Cornwall Council Resettlement Service will inform hosts which type of DBS check is required for each application.
The Property Check – Information Required document details the initial information requested for a property check. Hosts may find this information helpful, but all details will be discussed at the property check visit and any concerns will be discussed.
A Safeguarding panel of Cornwall Council staff will meet to discuss any concerns raised through the:
- initial checks
- DBS process
- property check.
Hosts will be contacted by Cornwall Council if further information is required and with an outcome.
Please read our DBS Frequently asked questions and contact us with any further queries.
When your guest arrives
You’ll find helpful advice for when your guest arrives on the gov.uk website: Meet your guest and help them settle in.
Other useful things for you to discuss or share on the first day include:
- an introduction to you and your family, including contact details and family schedules
- UK SIM cards
- a tour of the living space
- information relating to the property, such as:
- heating
- securing the property
- rubbish and recycling collection
- emergency contacts
- house rules - particularly if space is being shared
- UK money – value of coins and notes and other ways to pay.
Your guests may need help applying for a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). Once a BRP application has been made, the Ukrainian Refugee Help webpage can offer advice if you’re experiencing delays or issues.
The Government web page Homes for Ukraine: Guidance for guests is also available in Ukrainian and Russian.
It’s also helpful to provide a guide to your local area, including:
- a map with key places such as school, GP surgery marked
- bus and train timetables for your local area
- useful contacts, for example GP, Jobcentre, Citizens Advice Bureau.
Visit the other pages of our site using the links on the right of this page for additional help.
Useful links
- NSPCC home or out alone guide
- Public Health Agency’s guide on 5 steps to wellbeing
- The Centre for Sustainable Energy factsheets have information about:
- reading a meter
- preventing damp in a home
- other utilities
Safeguarding and social media
Hosts are showing tremendous good-will in offering space in their property or own homes for Homes for Ukraine families.
Sometimes, to support these families, hosts are using social media to request resources from the public. These include things like clothes, school uniform, and toys.
Sharing information regarding the whereabouts of Homes for Ukraine families, and any personal details may put them at risk. We ask hosts to avoid using social media to make these requests. Instead, please contact the relevant school, local community organisation or Cornwall Refugee Resettlement Network for advice.
Advice regarding the use of social media:
- Don’t photograph or publicly identify anyone on social media without their informed and explicit consent.
- Don’t photograph or publicly identify any child (under 18 years) on social media without the informed and explicit consent of their parent or guardian.
- Don’t ask any vulnerable adult or child (under 18 Years) to publicly participate in any event without their informed and explicit consent. Or the informed and explicit consent of their parent or guardian.
For more information about safeguarding, visit:
- Homes for Ukraine - Cornwall Refugee Resource Network
- Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Children Partnership
- Keeping children safe online | NSPCC
- How to welcome new refugees