Huge' need in Swindon for more hosts for Ukrainian families

Swindon Welcomes Ukrainians (SWU) says there is a “huge” need for more volunteers to host Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now entering its four-and-a-half-year mark. SWU said the town has welcomed more than 500 people since 2022 through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, but vice-chair Kris Talikowski warned it is “a more pressing time” than before for people who have never hosted to step forward. He argued demand from Ukrainians wishing to leave remains as strong as at the start of the war in 2022. SWU estimates about 50 additional hosts are needed, offering stays of at least six months. Local council checks would be carried out by the Home Office, followed by a safeguarding process organized by the council.