16 Oct Hosts with safe, welcoming homes needed across Torbay

BOMBS, bullets and the human misery they cause continue to make headlines around the world daily.

In recent months, Ukraine has been sharing the bad news slots with Lebanon, Iran, Israel and Gaza and as a result, it is easy to lose sight of the continuing catastrophe of a war that continues to deliver death and heartache just a few hours flying time away.

As Autumn settles in and we all start to get cosy amongst the changing leaves, it’s sad to think, and still somewhat unbelievable to think that, just 1,300 miles across Europe, war is still raging. The threat for Ukrainian citizens is ever present as frontlines change and new neighbourhoods become theatres for bombs and bullets.

I am proud that Torbay has wholeheartedly, unselfishly and unwaveringly stood up and offered safety, sanctuary and security to those who have had to leave their homes, their communities and their lives due to the war and welcomed those folk into our communities with warmth and kindness.

But sadly, even after two long years, the need is just as great now as it was on that fateful February 24^th 2022.

Torbay has been receiving and welcoming Ukrainian refugees since April of the same year, and more than 220 people have been hosted, staying with more than 120 families.

Kind-hearted Bay residents who opened their homes and hearts to the refugees were asked to commit to housing them for a minimum of six months but there is still no end in sight. More hosts are needed and tragically no one knows how long they will be needed for.

However, out of hardship comes great things; many friendships have been made and strong bonds have been forged that will never be broken.

I know many people want to help, and some asks are bigger than others, but right now, one of the most significant things you can do to help, if you are able, is to open your home up to someone who has lost theirs and become a host!

Of course, this isn’t something to be taken lightly, there are many things to consider when opening your home up to someone else, but the reactions we get back from our hosts in Torbay are mainly one of tremendous reward and purpose.

We have had dozens of hosts all across Torbay, from Melville to Broadsands and from Wellswood to Brixham, offering bed spaces to people young and old, as well as men and women and families.

There are no obligations beyond offering a safe, secure and private place for someone in your home. In return for your generosity, you will receive a monthly thank-you payment as well as access to a wonderful community and support network to help you navigate this journey.

What you need to know about becoming a host:

• You must be over 18. You don’t need to own your home but if you are a tenant, you need the landlord’s permission.
• Hosts receive a (non-taxable) monthly thank-you payment of £350 (£500 if the Ukrainian has been in the country 12 months or more).
• The council asks that people commit to housing a refugee for a minimum of six months (but they can stay for longer).
• The council is available for any ongoing queries between hosts and guests.
• You don’t have to provide food or money, just a private room with a bed and a safe environment.
• Hosting Ukrainian refugees will not affect your council tax banding or any discounts that may be in place.
• You will need to undergo successful housing and DBS checks to qualify.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a host to a Ukrainian, go to: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/ukraine/

If you would like to register your interest in hosting or would like to know more about the process, please get in touch with Torbay Council [email protected].

If you would like to know more about how you can help the refugees in Torbay, please contact me via email  [email protected]. Let’s keep offering the hand of friendship and providing support in their time of need. We have already helped hundreds, but there may yet be many more.