The initial phase of the UK Government 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme, from first considering it, to the arrival of your Ukrainian family, has 5 distinct stages.

Stage 1: Considering it

Family considerations - how many people, ages, pets, what would be our house rules? We have to commit to 6 months minimum, but would we prepared for them to stay longer? Will they be isolated? What local support and networks are being developed for Ukrainians and what information can they give me? How many other households in my village/area are involved?

Stage 2: Registering on Govt. website - click here for links

This includes reading all the blurb including FAQs. Signing up to get updates for the Scheme, FAQ page and Visa pages. Why?

• Need to understand the Scheme and what the Govt expects of Sponsors and what the Govt. is offering, as it evolves

• E.g. how to get free UK travel for your Ukrainian family’s first 48 hours

• Where Visa application centres are, documentation needed, household and DBS checks

NB: Registering on the Govt. website does not initiate anything; it merely logs you on the system. No-one will contact you with information about possible Ukrainians and none of the DBS and house checks will happen as a result. These are initiated only once you or your Ukrainian family have made a visa application.

Stage 3: Finding a Ukrainian family - click here for useful links and more information

Under the govt. scheme, each sponsor has to find their own Ukrainian family to sponsor. How do we do it? There are a number of options:

• Registering and searching on websites offering matching services

• Searching through Facebook pages for Ukrainian families who might be interested in coming to the Chew Valley or posting your own offer

• Contacts through Keynsham Ukrainian Support Network – we all need to share information

Unless you are very lucky, you will probably need to do all three

Stage 4: Applying for Visas - click here for more details

• Either you or your family can apply, but personal documentation needs to be shared with whoever submits the application.

• It's a good idea to ensure you have all required documentation before you start.

• Lots of people have provided helpful instructions that it's a good idea to read, even if some of it is out of date - given the application form keeps changing

Stage 5: Travel - getting your family here

• Agreeing who funds.

• How – flights to Bristol cheap, but cost of getting to airport their end, not so.