Council underlines solidarity with Ukraine

Residents across Leicestershire are being thanked for supporting those fleeing war-torn Ukraine – as latest numbers show 1,000 people have applied for visas to live with families in the county.

Fabric in the colours of the Ukrainian flag

The County Council has teamed up with district councils, the NHS, police, East Midlands Airport and other partners to provide vital support to the 500 people who have already arrived.

This includes a welcome desk at East Midlands Airport – which has helped around 200 people the moment they step off a plane – a travel grant to help them settle in, trauma support and help to secure school places. 

Following the Government’s Home for Ukraine scheme, people have offered space in their houses, requiring the council to carry out 1,500 safeguarding checks.

 

From the outset, our support for Ukraine has been unwavering. People are suffering terrible trauma and the way partners and residents across Leicestershire have pulled together has been heartening – working together to help rebuild lives is the right thing to do.

Helping people in their early few weeks is fundamental and I’m pleased we’re able to now support people with transport.

 

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, partners have joined forces to provide vital support including accommodation and safeguarding checks, healthcare, education, translation and employment.

The council has also shown solidarity by flying Ukraine’s flag outside County Hall in Glenfield and illuminating the building in blue and yellow.

Find out more at: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/support-for-ukraine 

The highest number of visa applications – just under a third - relate to homes in Harborough. There are around one fifth each in Hinckley and Bosworth, Charnwood and North West Leicestershire, a tenth each in Melton Borough and Blaby District and a smaller number in Oadby and Wigston.

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