Celebrating the achievements of the Homes for Ukraine scheme

A celebratory event bringing together Ukrainians who found their new home in our city, their hosts, representatives of the council and partners who helped with the delivery of the Homes for Ukraine programme was held on Friday 13 December in Hove Town Hall.

Councillor Leslie Pumm, Cabinet member for Communities, Equality and Human Rights, delivered the welcoming speech.

The aim of the event was to reflect on the impact of the scheme, and to share successes, learning and challenges faced, as well as to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of individuals and organisations.

It was an opportunity to show our gratitude to the amazing people who worked with us to support Ukrainians and honour our successful collaboration, and the friendships established on the way.

We were joined by colleagues from local authorities across the country who we shared our best practice with and told us they were inspired by what we’d achieved.

Attendees were able to share their journey – whether settling in Brighton & Hove, hosting refugees or providing support to the growing Ukrainian community.

The event also involved lively discussions, lunch and musical performances from the Ukrainian Voices Choir.

 Working together

The Homes for Ukraine scheme was introduced in March 2022 in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The council mobilised quickly and worked with internal and external partners to deliver services for Ukrainian refugees in information, advice and guidance, housing, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), employability and business start-up advice, mental health and wellbeing support, education, family support, children services and welfare support, community cohesion and capacity building.

Thanks to our commitment to partnership working and a joined-up approach we were able to help over 683 Ukrainians fleeing the conflict in their home country.

The most vital aspect of our delivery of the scheme was listening to Ukrainians themselves and tailoring support to their needs and priorities.

We’ve involved the Ukrainian community in Brighton & Hove in developing and delivering services for their community and worked with groups like Stand for Ukraine, the Ukrainian Voices Choir and Ukraine International Events as equal delivery partners of the scheme.

Our aim was to use the Homes for Ukraine funding in innovative ways to benefit Ukrainians but also meet the city’s wider migrant integration needs and corporate plan.

Most of our projects have been delivered in an inclusive way and opened to other groups of refugees and forced migrants.

• If you'd like to learn more about the impact of the Homes for Ukraine Scheme in Brighton & Hove, e-mail Ukrainian.Support@brighton-hove.gov.uk to request the impact report compiled for the event.

Going forward

Some of our work on the Homes for Ukraine scheme will continue through to 2025 and 2026.

We intend to build on our achievements and learning and use our residual funding to continue to support Ukrainians towards independence and integration.

Our priorities will be the Private Rented Sector Support Scheme, ongoing projects in employability, ESOL, children’s education support, information, advice and guidance for guests and hosts, mental health support, youth services and integration.

Thank you to all

Councillor Leslie Pumm, Cabinet member for Communities, Equality and Human Rights, said: “It was an honour to meet everyone at the Homes for Ukraine impact event and collectively celebrate the wonderful outcomes and all the learning we have achieved during the delivery of the scheme.

“I would like to thank everyone who has engaged with our projects and participated in the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

“We are very fortunate to have such passionate and capable professionals in our council and partner organisations, who dedicate their expertise not just to provide a warm welcome to newcomers, but also to help them build a firm foundation, get on their feet and flourish.

“We are especially grateful to our amazing hosts, who chose to open their hearts and homes to those fleeing war in their country.

“Being able to dedicate resources to offer such multifaceted support to people seeking sanctuary has been invaluable to us. We’re hoping to be able to share our findings with colleagues from other councils and inspire the future work we do with people seeking refuge in Brighton & Hove.

“While we hope for the end of the devastating war in Ukraine, we wish all members of our growing Ukrainian community the best. May you find safety, solace and support in your second home and grow into the best version of yourself in our city.”