RBKC and residents are continuing to step up to help Ukrainian people displaced by the devastating war that has been raging for three years.
Residents are opening up rooms in their homes for those fleeing Ukraine and some are handing over the keys to second homes in the Royal Borough that are not being used. The initiative began a year ago, but is going from straight to strength as the war continues.
The council held a special event today at the Town Hall in Kensington to explain the way people can help. Hosts who take in guests can receive unto £350 per month for up to one year, which then rises to £500. The council will also provide a dedicated team of officers for additional support and advice.
Basic details are laid in the flyer and on this page of the RBKC website. But anyone who would prefer an informal conversation about hosting, can email the ‘Kensington and Chelsea Homes for Ukraine’ team at nrpfandrefugees@rbkc.gov.uk.
UP-DATE – 5th March
Following the event, RBKC issued the following details…
Kensington and Chelsea’s Ukrainian community celebrated their connections to the borough at a special Together in RBKC event.
The session saw residents, representatives from community groups and hosts and guests from the Homes for Ukraine scheme come together at Kensington Town Hall for a full day of talks, activities and information sessions.
Keynote speakers Andriy Marchenko, Iryna Terlecky and Inna Hryhorovych shared their links to Kensington and Chelsea, while the Very Reverend Father Mykola Matwijiwskyj led the hall in a moment of reflection to mark the third anniversary of the start of the war.
Attendees also heard testimonials from Ukrainians who have moved to the borough since the outbreak of war as well as residents who have hosted guests through the Homes for Ukraine scheme. The programme has seen more than 900 Ukrainians matched with a sponsor from the borough since the conflict began in February 2022, with more hosts currently required.
Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, said:
“Our borough has strong and proud links with the people of Ukraine, from the embassy and statue of St Volodymyr in Holland Park to the Ukrainian schools and groups that call Kensington and Chelsea home.
“We have been supporting Ukrainian refugees since the conflict began and Together in RBKC allowed us to show solidarity with our Ukrainian community and thank our residents who continue to open their homes to those in need. It was also a chance for us all to reflect on the impact of the ongoing conflict and pray for a peaceful resolution.”
The Homes for Ukraine scheme enables eligible residents to offer a home to Ukrainians fleeing war. To find out more, readers can visit the council’s Homes for Ukraine web page.
An artist created a mood-board to the ‘minutes’ of the day to reflect the discussions and emotional stories shared
The stunning final collage of completed minutes