Community Action to welcome Ukrainians

By IW Observer.co.uk Mar 29, 2022

Community Action Isle of Wight, working in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council, is gearing up to welcome Ukrainian refugees to the Island.

The first activity will be to gauge how many people may be arriving, and to begin co-ordinating the response and support required.

Mike Bulpitt, CEO of Community Action, said: “We know that many people on the Island will be keen in providing shelter and support to people fleeing from the war in Ukraine, and it is important that we act quickly to prepare for receiving people.

“The first stage focuses on those who already know someone in Ukraine that they are willing to sponsor, and we particularly want to hear from those people now with named contacts in Ukraine who they will be supporting with a visa application.”

Ian Lloyd, strategic manager for partnerships and support services, said: “This is a process that will need careful management so that we can keep pace with those arriving on the Island and give them the support they need.

“We anticipate that people will start arriving fairly quickly now and it will be important that we can help them with finding school places for their children, help with medical issues, finding work and other forms of support.

“Community Action’s phone lines are likely to be busy for the next few days so we would also ask that offers of accommodation, clothing, food, etc, which continue to be more than welcome, are directed instead to other charitable efforts on the Island.”

Cllr Lora Peacey Wilcox, leader of the Isle of Wight Council, said: “We know that the Island will be keen to play its part in offering help for people fleeing the war.

“It is our task to ensure support is in place, both for those offering homes and also to those needing sanctuary. We look forward to helping the Ukrainian people and sincerely thank all those who have come forward with accommodation, help and support. You are very special people.”