Ukraine Response

The UK government has published guidance for Ukrainians moving to the UK. We recommend you read the following information:

• Homes for Ukraine: Guidance for guests - GOV.UK
• Move to the UK if you’re coming from Ukraine - GOV.UK

Get support from Sutton Council’s Ukraine Response Team

If you are in Sutton under the sponsorship scheme, you should contact the Ukraine response team via email to:

• tell us about your arrival or a change in your travel plans
• tell us about a decision to no longer come to the UK
• tell us about any problems or concerns you have with your host
• request our advice as part of your move to Sutton
• request our help accessing public information or services, especially education services

The Ukraine Response Team inbox is monitored Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays).

Before you arrive in the UK

1. Get a UK visa - the Home Office is responsible for issuing you a UK visa.  You can contact UK Visas and Immigration for help.
2. Keep Sutton’s Ukraine Response Team updated on the progress of your visa and plans for travel to the UK by emailing ukraineresponse@sutton.gov.uk
3. Tell the UK Visas and Immigration service, Sutton’s Ukraine Response Team and your sponsor if you decide not to come to the UK.

Once you arrive in the UK

• Sutton’s Ukraine Response Team will check on your safety and wellbeing. The team will also check your sponsor’s home after your arrival
• apply for a Biometric Residence Permit as explained in the permission letter you received at the UK border

Finance

• you should open a UK bank account so you can receive financial support
• if you need proof of address for your bank account, email ukraineresponse@sutton.gov.uk
• you can request your arrival payment once you have opened a UK bank account
• you can apply for UK government benefits (known as Universal Credit) to support you
• for help with benefits, contact Citizens Advice Sutton on ukrainesupport@citizensadvicesutton.org.uk or by calling +447507 188 321
• if you can’t open a bank account and need urgent financial support, email
  ukraineresponse@sutton.gov.uk

Schools and education

In England, children have to go to school from age 5 to 16.

You can:

• check whether your child should go to school
• find out if you are eligible for childcare support
• apply for a school place in Sutton or email suttonadmissions@cognus.org.uk for help with applying
• learn English or attend an English course at Sutton College

Find a job

• you will need to prove your right to work before you can get a job in the UK
• contact the Sutton Jobcentre to find jobs in Sutton
• or search for jobs in the UK via GOV.UK

After 4 months of living with your sponsor

You will need to make a plan for your accommodation when the 6 month sponsorship finishes. You can find out the options available to you by talking with your sponsor.

You can either:

• continue to live with your sponsor with their agreement
• ask Sutton’s Ukraine Response Team to help you find a new sponsor (known as rematching)
• rent your own accommodation

You should tell Sutton’s Ukraine Response Team as soon as you decide so we can put the right support in place for you.

Find emergency housing

We can provide emergency accommodation if you do not have anywhere to live. Contact housing on 020 8770 5000.