A CHARITY is launching a course to help all those who registered to help Ukrainian refugees by opening their homes.

Taunton Welcomes Refugees (TWR) has the experience and knowledge to support those hosts who are opening their doors to Ukrainians.

Together with Somerset County Council and other charities, TWR’s role currently is to help prepare hosts for what it might be like to live with someone who has fled from Ukraine.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “Taunton Welcomes Refugees (TWR) works with volunteers to befriend refugees in Taunton, Wellington, Bridgwater, and the surrounding area and is, of course, deeply saddened by the current war in Ukraine.

“It is pleasing that so many from within our society are coming forward to offer their support in the form of clothes and furniture, translation, and befriending.”

At the moment there are two refugee schemes for people fleeing from Ukraine.

The first is the Ukraine Family Scheme where Ukrainians already resident in the UK can give a home to wider family members, and the second is the scheme called Homes for Ukraine.

The Homes for Ukraine scheme envisages that people will register their interest to host a refugee, or refugee family, by becoming a sponsor and letting them live in their homes for a minimum period of six months.

The course launched by the charity will give information on Ukraine’s geography, main religious beliefs and festivals, language, and cultural activities.

On April 6 and 12 at 6.30pm, TWR will run two free information seminars for those already registered with the Homes for Ukraine scheme, and for those thinking about registering.

Each will run for two hours and take place online via Microsoft Teams.

The sessions will cover topics such as becoming a refugee, cultural awareness, how to support a family, communications across language differences, mental health and wellbeing, and boundaries and confidentiality. There will be an opportunity to ask questions.

To book your place visit http://www.tauntonwelcomesrefugees.co.uk/ukraine-host/

For more information, contact ukraine@tauntonwelcomesrefugees.co.uk