The South Hams is now home to 155 Ukrainian refugee

The South Hams is now home to 155 Ukrainians who are fleeing the war in Ukraine, from 66 family groups.

Working with the voluntary sector and Devon County Council, South Hams District continue to "play an important role" in delivering the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme and helping Ukrainians beyond their initial six-month sponsorship.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Government launched the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme. At the time, SHDC was called upon to provide a range of services to facilitate the scheme. This included carrying out property checks before Ukrainians arrive, conducting welcome visits once they have settled and ensuring support to meet their immediate needs

Together South Hams and West Devon Councils have created a shared project team to ensure that both Councils are as effective as possible in meeting the needs of the guests and their hosts.

Citizens Advice are providing support to individuals who require help with claiming benefits, jobs, childcare, and immigration enquiries and the CVS have supported with arranging community events and supporting volunteers and support groups.

Cllr Judy Pearce Leader of South Hams District Council, said: “This has been a huge collaborative effort, between ourselves as South Hams District Council, our neighbours in West Devon Borough Council, our local communities and the voluntary sector.

“Well done to everyone for stepping up and supporting the families in their time of need, in particular those people who have been generous enough to open their homes. It has not been easy to turn around the complex support that these families require in such a short amount of time, but both Cllr Jory and I are proud of the collective support that has come together.”

“Sadly this support effort is still required as the war in Ukraine continues. Cllr Jory and I are writing to Government, urgently seeking clarity on the future of the Homes for Ukraine scheme and a more permanent solution for the Ukrainian families.

Both councils are concerned that as we reach the initial six-month sponsorship period; many of the placements will end.

The councils think that as the ‘Homes for Ukraine Scheme' was only meant to be temporary, there is now a risk that some of the families might find themselves homeless. With significant pressure already on temporary accommodation in the area, both leaders are now calling on the Government for ongoing plans for the future of the scheme.

Anyone who wishes to offer self-contained rental accommodation to a Ukrainian household is encouraged to contact SeaMoor Lettings on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For further information on becoming a host please visit;

The link to obtain information on hosting is: www.gov.uk/guidance/homes-for-ukraine-sponsor-guidance

The link to register as a host is: www.gov.uk/register-interest-homes-ukraine

Both councils are taking a report to the next meeting of their executive and hub in September, explaining how the scheme has worked, what they councils have done to facilitate the scheme and their concerns for the coming months.

Or you can tune in live to each meeting on You Tube: www.youtube.com/user/southhamscouncil