The Ukraine Crisis
Welcome information for arriving Ukrainian refugees and their hosts
HBTSR has produced Welcome information that we hope will be useful to arriving Ukrainian refugees and their hosts.
You can download this in English here.
HBTSR підготував Welcome Pack з інформацією, корисною для українських біженців та їхніх приймаючих осіб.
Завантажити Пакет українською можна тут.
We have a drop in session every Thursday in Llangorse hall where people can be assured of a warm welcome and a hot drink and can meet compatriots and practice English conversation. 
In terms of support for host families or anyone with an interest in assisting or working with Ukrainian citizens living in the UK, there is a very useful website which can be shared with both Ukrainians and those welcoming them: https://thriveldn.co.uk/resources/supporting-wellbeing-of-displaced-ukrainians/ this website has some great resources available.
Free to attend daily trauma and resilience meetings online for Ukrainian citizens to give them the opportunity to chat to people experiencing the same things. The sessions are 45 minutes long. The website is https://saneukraineonline.org/sane-ukraine-online/
There is a Helpline for Homes for Ukraine Sponsors. Sponsors in Wales can call the free helpline on 0808 175 1508 for advice from 8am to 8pm.
For help with benefits, if required, you or your guests can access support from Powys CAB, and also contact their Help To Claim service on 0800 024 1220. Callers will speak to an adviser trained in assisting people to start their Universal Credit claim. The adviser can conference call with translation services too.
* If there are children of school age, you/your guests can access this school link with advice for sponsors: https://sites.google.com/hwbcymru.net/powys-eal-refugee-support/home
* The family will be able to register with the local GP. GP’s are aware of Ukrainian arrivals and will carry out an ‘enhanced’ screening check and also provide information about any necessary vaccinations, including Covid 19.
* If the family wish to have help with their English, please contact any Neath Port Talbot College in Powys or Adult Learning Wales and they will be eligible for free ESOL classes.
This App may be easier to use than Google translate…https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/sayhi-translate/id437818260
* You could also contact PAVO (Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations) who may be able to direct you to additional services to support for the family, including links to community mental health services and Community Connectors.
- Call the Duty Officer, Community Connector Service on 01597 828649 10am – 4pm Monday to Friday
- Email community.connectors(at)pavo.org.uk
The Choir of the Earth (online worldwide virtual choir) is learning a Ukrainian Folk Song – The Bunny Walks – which the famous childrens’ choir of Kyiv were going to take on a worldwide tour before they had to sadly disband. The Choir of the Earth will record this individually, it will then be mixed by their engineers and performed as a live concert on U Tube on Wednesday 15th June. https://youtu.be/nau6lSZrlKk
Collecting goods (material aid)
Practical help for arriving refugees
We will have a welcome centre in our area and have been asked to help with providing volunteers to visit to offer support in different ways. If you can spare some time in afternoons, early evenings or at weekend afternoons that please contact
Monday Lis is keen to hear from you if you can do some Monday sessions. [email protected]
Tuesday Please let Claire know if you can help on Tuesdays [email protected]
Wednesday please let Sarah know if Wednesday suits you [email protected]
Thursday please let Gaynor if Thursday is good for you [email protected]
Friday please let me know if Friday suits you [email protected]
Saturday please let Bethany know if Saturday suits you. [email protected]
Sunday Please let me know if Sunday works for you [email protected]
A reminder from HBTSR’s Well-being group:
Who: Members of HBTSR are a friendly, welcoming group of volunteers who are happy to offer help and/or support alongside other Agencies
How: To reach out, be available and approachable to displaced individuals and families as well as potential host families
Why: We’re all human beings with a shared humanity endeavouring to care for each other
What: Practical and emotional support, through encouragement and empowerment
We will try to do our best in all circumstances but are all volunteers also coping with everything else that life throws at us.
All images are taken by HBTSR or from websites pertaining to venues and we have verbal consent from all persons portrayed in photos