Leicestershire stands for Ukraine
Information to help support people affected by the invasion of Ukraine.
The Government is overseeing the efforts to help refugees alongside local authorities.
Homes for Ukraine scheme
Homes for Ukraine scheme
Advice for Ukrainians arriving in the UK
British government advice
Welcome! A guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK
British Red Cross advice
Barnardo’s advice
School places for Ukrainian refugees
Welcome to all children and families from Ukraine who have decided to settle here in Leicestershire.
If your children are of Primary School age 4 - 10 years old, or of Secondary School age 11 - 16 years old, the best way to apply for a school place is through our online school application process below. Please declare that you are making an application for or on behalf of a Ukrainian refugee.
If you would like speak to us about school places, please call 0116 305 6684.
Please note: We are experiencing a very high volume of applications for school places, and we appreciate your patience and understanding whilst we process these. As it can take up to 15 school days to reach and communicate each decision, we politely request waiting for this length of time before contacting the service to follow up on an application.
Donate money and essential items
Donate money and essential items
Visa support for Ukrainians and their families
The Ukraine Family Scheme allows British nationals and people settled in the UK to bring more family members to the country for up to 3 years.
There is other visa support for Ukrainian nationals and their family members.
Work and financial support
Emergency regulations have been laid so those arriving in the UK from Ukraine as a result of the Russian invasion can access Universal Credit and other benefits where eligible, and jobs support immediately.
Translation services are available to help new arrivals and Work Coaches /Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) staff are available to support people making claims online.
Immediate benefit support for those fleeing the invasion in Ukraine
Support with cash is available from the Red Cross – please call Red Cross National Support Line 0808 196 3651 – open daily 10am to 6pm.
Guidance for claiming Child Benefit
Anyone coming to the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme or Homes for Ukraine scheme is entitled to claim Child Benefit immediately, rather than having to wait for the usual three-month qualifying period.
To claim, complete a CH2 Child Benefit claim form and submit this by post to the Child Benefit office. The address is included on the form.
You should provide an original birth certificate and the passport or travel document used to enter the UK. Where this documentation is not immediately available, we advise you to include a note in your claim and someone from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will be in touch to discuss further.
If you want more information on Child Benefit, visit the Government’s Child Benefit page or call 0300 200 3100 (from inside the UK).
GoLearn! English Courses
The Leicestershire Adult Learning Service (GoLearn!) are offering FREE ESOL courses for Ukrainian refugees in Leicestershire.
ESOL courses are for anyone whose first language is not English, who needs to improve their skills for life and work in the UK. GoLearn! offer both general ESOL courses, and specialist courses for those who need to improve their English for everyday work, IT and maths skills.
GoLearn ESOL for Ukraine (український) Opens new window
GoLearn ESOL for Ukraine (English) Opens new window
Please contact us if this flyer is required in another language.
How to contact us:
• Complete our online Adult Learning general enquiry form
• Call us on FREEphone 0800 988 0308
• Visit one of our Enrolment Centres in person
• Email us at LALS.ESOL@leics.gov.uk
Initial contact can be made by a friend, sponsor, support worker or by the refugee themselves.
Work & Skills Leicestershire
Work and Skills Leicestershire is a free service run by Leicestershire County Council that offers support with skills, training and employment.
Individuals can easily be referred on to ESOL classes.
To find out more, you can drop into one of the hubs, call 0800 988 0308 or visit our Work and Skills Leicestershire web pages
The Refugee Employment Network (REN)
The Refugee Employment Network is a charity that ensures that refugees in the UK can access appropriate, fulfilling, paid employment or self-employment.
Bank account access support:
- Royal bank of scotland (RBS) - Ukrainian refugee account opening
- Lloyds bank - suppporting Ukraine
- HSBC - Ukraine appeal
- Santander - Situation in Ukraine – FAQs for customer
You can apply for a Vodafone SIM card with Refugease
UK businesses and charities sending goods
UK businesses can contact the Export Support Service for questions relating to the situation in Ukraine and Russia.
The government advises against businesses sending charitable goods to Ukraine. Exports may be subject to customs declarations, checks, and duty and border taxes. Your donation could be delayed getting to people in need. Donate to a registered charity or trusted scheme instead.
The Charity Commission has published guidance for charities fundraising for Ukraine.
The government has published guidance for charities and trustees on the most commonly asked questions.
Cyber security
Take steps to prevent against the heightened cyber threat. Learn how to stay safe and secure online on the Cyber Aware website.
Family support and safety
We've included some links for might find useful:
- Children and Family Wellbeing Service web pages
- Living Without Abuse provide community-based support to men, women and children affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence in Leicester City, Leicestershire and Rutland.
- Women’s Aid Leicestershire Limited provide support to women and children fleeing domestic abuse and provide vital assistance to all victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
- FreeVa works towards reducing domestic violence, rape and sexual assault in Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland.
- Turning Point works with anyone who is affected by drugs or alcohol and wants support to make change.
Translation and interpreting support
Charity Translators have compiled model document translation templates to help with visa applications. These templates can be used free of charge.
Local links
Find your district council in Leicestershire