How can you help those affected by the war in Ukraine
Homes for Ukraine: register your interest
If you want to offer a home to people fleeing Ukraine, you can become a ‘sponsor’ as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Use this service to register your interest in becoming a sponsor. You can register as an individual or as an organisation on the Governments Homes for Ukraine: register your interest page.
- Advice if you are a host living in Wales and sponsoring a person or family from Ukraine: Homes for Ukraine: guidance for sponsors
Apply for a Ukraine Family Scheme visa
The Ukraine Family Scheme allows applicants to join family members or extend their stay in the UK. Learn more at the Governments Apply for a Ukraine Family Scheme visa page.
Other ways to help:
If you want to help but cannot offer accommodation, you can donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee. This group of charities work on the ground in Ukraine and neighbouring countries to provide essentials, including food, water, shelter and medical assistance.
People wishing to donate, to help with the Ukraine appeal, should do so as a financial donation through the appropriate channels, such as the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). This is the preferred option rather than by making physical donations of goods as these can cause logistical issues.
Welsh Government Guidance can be found on the Ukraine and Welsh Governments Ukraine: support for people affected pages.
Advice on how public bodies can support the Homes for Ukraine scheme: Homes for Ukraine: guidance for local authorities
Dedicated helpline for arrivals and sponsors
Sponsors in Wales can call the free helpline on 0808 175 1508 for advice.
A dedicated helpline has been launched for people arriving in Wales from Ukraine and for people who are acting as sponsors to provide advice and guidance.
- For callers in the UK, the number is: Freephone 0808 175 1508.
- For callers outside the UK, the number is: +44 20 4542 5671.
News and Information
28.03.2024
The Welsh Government set up a Welcome Ticket scheme in March 2022. The scheme has provided free transport to all refugees living in Wales.
The Welcome Ticket will no longer be available on bus and train services in Wales from 1 April 2024. From this date you will need to pay for your travel.
You may be eligible for one of the free or discounted travel schemes also available if you are:
- 60 years or over
- a disabled passenger
- a child or young person.
For further information on these and other discounted travel tickets please see www.traveline.cymru or contact your local bus operator.
08.06.2022
Update on the Homes for Ukraine Scheme: Following the people of Wales’ incredibly positive response to the Welsh Government’s Super Sponsor scheme, which has resulted in over 2000 visas being issued to date, Ministers have announced a temporary operational pause on new applications during June.
07.06.2022
Ukraine Crisis: Help and Guidance
This webpage contains all of the updates and information shared for safeguarding professionals, refugees, and the general public.
30.05.2022
Bringing your pet to Wales from Ukraine: frequently asked questions
Written Statement: Support for Higher Education students seeking sanctuary from the war in Ukraine
10.05.2022
Homes for Ukraine: safeguarding and modern slavery guidance
Advice on how public bodies can help protect people living in households from Ukraine.
Homes for Ukraine: A Reset service for community welcome
09.05.2022
New schemes to help refugees and people from Ukraine integrate into Wales:
A new Welcome Ticket will provide refugees and people from Ukraine with free bus travel and they will also receive free entry to Cadw sites across Wales.
03.05.2022
Sanctuary: Help for sanctuary seekers to understand their rights
12.04.2022
Guidance on childcare: Advice for childcare providers on childcare for people from Ukraine
28.03.2022
Register a business or organisation to help Ukrainian refugees coming to Wales
25.03.2022
Sanctuary: Help for sanctuary seekers to understand their rights
18.03.2022
Written Statement: Homes for Ukraine refugees scheme update
The first matches are being made under the Homes for Ukraine scheme to enable people fleeing the war in Ukraine to seek safety in Wales and the UK.
16.03.2022
Wales offers free rail travel for Ukrainian refugees
14.03.2022
Ceredigion Veteran Community and support for Ukraine