Let’s give
Safe REFUGE.
Are you a refugee about to arrive in the UK?
Are you getting ready to host a refugee or asylum seeker?
Do you want a fairer, better system for refugees and asylum seekers?
We have created a collection of practical and downloadable resources for refugees, hosts, host-communities, healthcare professionals, and advocates. Informed by what we know about trauma and recovery in the face of any humanitarian crisis, SafeREFUGE promotes a safe, supportive and sustainable response.
“We are grateful to VITA for putting together this very useful and informative welcome pack. Given the complexity of the UK asylum system having clear information on issues such as healthcare entitlement is key to supporting people accessing the services they need” Doctors of the World
For Refugees & Asylum Seekers
For refugees from Ukraine?
Where can I apply for sponsorship in the UK?
Please apply here on the Homes for Ukraine website – https://www.homesforukraine.org.uk/
You can find the latest government information here – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/support-for-family-members-of-british-nationals-in-ukraine-and-ukrainian-nationals-in-ukraine-and-the-uk.
How does the Ukrainian refugee sponsorship work?
You can register at any time and from any place across Europe. You do not need to be in the UK.
- You’ll be granted 3 years’ right to remain in the UK.
- You’ll be provided accommodation for 6 months in the UK, this might be in someone’s home or in a property they own.
- You’ll be provided access to some social welfare benefits, access to healthcare and to schools.
- You will have the right to work in the UK.
(Details from Home for Ukraine – https://www.homesforukraine.org.uk/).
You can also register your details to receive updates on sponsorship from The Sanctuary Foundation – https://www.sanctuaryfoundation.org.uk/#about.
For refugees or asylum seekers from any nation?
How do I apply for Asylum?
Please see details on seeking asylum in the UK here – https://www.gov.uk/claim-asylum
You may also be eligible for community sponsorship through a different route.
Further helpful information is available through the Refugee Council – https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/
Health Information
Health Services are provided by the NHS (National Health Service).
*Health services are free for refugee and asylum seekers.*
For EMERGENCY AMBULANCE, POLICE or FIRE CALL 999
National NON-EMERGENCY medical advice number (including out of hours doctors and dentists): 111
UK non-emergency medical advice website: https://111.nhs.uk/
Available Health Services
Details on how to register with a GP (family doctor or General Practitioner) here.
Find your nearest Walk-In Health Centre here.
Find your nearest Sexual Health Clinic here.
Find Hospitals with EMERGENCY Departments (Accident & Emergency, ‘A&E’) near you here.
Non-emergency Mental Health support, please see NHS Talking Therapies here.
Translated Health Information from Doctors of the World
Health Advice for Pregnant Women
If you are pregnant, please register with a local family doctor (called a General Practitioner or ‘GP’) and make an appointment as soon as possible.
You can find local GP Practices here.
Refugees and asylum seekers are entitled to free maternity care (please see details from the Home Office regarding your immigration status).
You can find local Maternity Services here.
Find out more about your rights as a refugee during pregnancy, including maternity and parental rights, and entitlement to NHS care here.
For Ukrainian refugees, find out about your rights and entitlement to NHS maternity care here.
Have a look at this resource pack from the Maternity Stream of Sanctuary UK.
For Hosts & Host Communities
(Please be aware the UK response is under rapid development and all details are subject to rapid change. You are responsible for ensuring you have the latest information)
Hosts will have to complete a criminal record check and a home assessment prior to hosting (this will be initiated by the government or local authority).
As a minimum, hosts need to be able to provide clean, safe accommodation including a bedroom and access to kitchen and bathroom facilities for at least 6 months. You may host individual adults or family groups. It is not expected that unaccompanied children or adolescents will be provided accommodation through this scheme.
During this time your Ukrainian refugee guests will not pay rent (and you must not charge them rent), however, you may claim a £350 ‘thank you’ per month from the UK government to support expenses (note this is per residential address, not per guest) which will be paid in arrears to a maximum of 12 months. More details are available here – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homes-for-ukraine-scheme-frequently-asked-questions.
Ideally, as a host, you will also provide crucial practical support to help your refugee guests settle in the UK for example supporting them to register with a doctor, dentist and helping them understand their new neighbourhood. Where individual hosts are not able to provide additional support, ideally, this should be provided by community support groups. Guests ideally need help to settle in, and should not just be abandoned in an empty property without some form of local support.
Once guests are settled, it is reasonable that hosts should be able to continue any existing travel or holiday plans, with refugee guest relationships continuing in a similar way to having lodgers.
Ideally, as a host you should also seek personal support from a friend or the community sponsorship group, as hosting refugee guests may at times present tensions or challenges for which you need additional support.
“I think of all those refugees who have been through the same journey! I remember my own journey of being one of those people that was forced to leave home or be shot! My message to people in the world is to care and support refugees as you don’t know their lives story!”
A Refugee from Albania
Are you interested in hosting a refugee as an individual or family?
Please contact RESET – https://resetuk.org/ for more details and to register your interest.
You can also register your interest and pledge your support at The Sanctuary Foundation – https://www.sanctuaryfoundation.org.uk/
Please note that hosts must be British Citizens, or have leave to remain for at least 6 months.
Are you interested in hosting and/or welcoming refugees as part of a community group?
Please contact RESET – https://resetuk.org/ for more details and to register your interest.
You can also register your interest and pledge your support at The Sanctuary Foundation – https://www.sanctuaryfoundation.org.uk/
Please note that hosts must be British Citizens, or have leave to remain for at least 6 months.
Are you interested in supporting refugees as a school, university, faith-based or other large organisation?
Please register your interest in supporting refugees at The Sanctuary Foundation – https://www.sanctuaryfoundation.org.uk/#pledge
Let’s get Trauma-Informed
VITA’s resources are developed using a Trauma-Informed structure. This means that the resources are designed in a way that:
REALISES that trauma is widespread across the population and especially for those who are are vulnerable to, currently experiencing, or survivors of exploitation, modern slavery, human trafficking and forced migration. We also realise that recovery is possible given the right support from individuals, communities and specialists.
RECOGNISES the diverse signs and symptoms of trauma in everyone involved in the system, both those experiencing direct maltreatment or hardship, and those providing support or specialist care.
RESPONDS by integrating knowledge about trauma (and recovery) into guidance, policies and practice.
and
RESISTS the re-traumatisation (including through discrimination, stereotyping, othering and wrongful criminalisation) of those experiencing and surviving injustice.
We uphold the following principles of Trauma-Informed Care in our approaches, recognising equal human rights for all people across the world. We honour the voices of victims, survivors and experts by lived experience, recognising their voices are vital and powerful.
We also recognise that our understanding, both scientifically and in practice, of trauma and recovery is incomplete and evolving.
Psychological First Aid:
Supporting people to cope, adapt and recover in the aftermath of severe adversity and disaster.
Many of us have had some basic first aid training, so we know some safe actions to take if we come across someone who’s been physically hurt.
But have you heard of psychological first aid? Safe steps to take in supporting someone who’s experienced emotional or psychological harm and distress. Particularly in the settings of severe adversity, after a disaster or in conflict.
If not then watch this short 10-minute video with VITA Network’s Dr Laura Wood, then have a look below at our follow-up webinar, which we ran on 26th May 2022, discussing this in more depth, with some practical applied examples and a Q&A.
Webinar Recording
Psychological First Aid: Supporting people to cope, adapt and recover in the aftermath of severe adversity and disaster.
With Dr Laura Wood & Anya Charnaud
On 26th May 2022, VITA Network held its first SafeREFUGE webinar on Psychological First Aid. The aim of the webinar was to equip people with the knowledge and skills to better help those who are in distress in the wake of disaster.
First, Dr Laura Wood talked us through our body and brain’s natural responses to fear and threat. She also explained what Psychological First Aid actually is and unpacked the four stages we, as Psychological First Aid practitioners, follow: Prepare, Look, Listen and Link.
Then, to further explain what this might look like, psychotherapist Anya Charnaud took us through a case study where we had to imagine we were hosting a mother and her teenage son who’d fled the conflict in Ukraine.
Speakers
Dr Laura Wood – Paediatrician, PhD researcher and VITA Research Director with a special interest in child & family modern slavery, trauma and recovery.
Anya Charnaud – Senior trauma specialist psychotherapist and clinical supervisor with special interest in trauma and complex PTSD
Download the SafeREFUGE Host Welcome Pack (PDF)
A fantastic resource for you to complete and print or email to your new guests providing them with the information they need for a safe and warm welcome to their new UK home.
In English here
In Ukrainian here (with English translation included)
In Russian here (with English translation included)
If you are an English-speaking host, the Ukrainian and Russian versions of the Host Welcome Pack includes the English translation so that it’s easier for you to complete. We recommend using Google Translate if you are translating your answers into Ukrainian or Russian.
How do I edit the document as a PDF?
Download and open the Host Welcome Pack on adobe in either English or Ukrainian.
Click the sign/signature function
Then click the text function
You can then click over any part of the document and type any answers before saving the changes. You will then be able to print or send it to your guest.
Pregnancy and Maternity Care
It may be that the person you welcome into your home becomes (or is currently) pregnant. As soon as a pregnancy is disclosed, please encourage and support the individual to register with and/or contact the GP, who can discuss options and refer them to a midwife. Ideally, this would be before 10 weeks of pregnancy. If the pregnancy is further on than this, it is very important to help someone engage with maternity care as soon as possible. Please do not give medical advice yourself. Healthcare professionals will be pleased to provide that.
Please see this information from Maternity Action about Rights and Entitlements to care for Ukrainian refugees. https://maternityaction.org.uk/advice/nhs-charges-for-maternity-care-for-ukranian-women-and-families-an-information-sheet-to-reflect-recent-government-announcements/
Please see this Resource Pack from the Maternity Stream of Sanctuary UK which might be helpful.
You can find our Ideal Basic Provisions List for Refugee Guests here
What should I have ready before my refugee guest arrives?
Complete and personalise your VITA SafeREFUGE Host Welcome Pack here a fantastic resource for you to complete and print or email to your new guests providing them with the information they need for a safe and warm welcome to their new UK home.
Ideal Basic Provisions for Refugee Guests on Arrival:
(Note: items do not need to be new but must be clean and functional to a standard you would use yourself). Download the Ideal Basic Provisions list here.
| ROOM | RESOURCES TO PROVIDE |
| GENERAL ACCOMMODATION | – Complete your VITA SafeREFUGE Welcome Pack here – Ensure door locks work and you have spare keys for guests and for emergencies. – Check all electrical appliances are safe, clean and working (ie oven, fridge, microwave, boiler, shower). – Check household heating and radiators are working, especially if you are offering a previously unused room. – Check all electrical sockets are safe, especially if young children are coming to your property. – Check your smoke alarms and replace batteries if needed. – Check your carbon monoxide alarms and replace if needed. – Ensure your home is free of pests (ie mice, bees). – Ensure your home and garden are safe for children (if relevant). – Allocate an area for coats and shoes. – Ensure you have a simple First Aid Kit in an obvious place. |
| KITCHEN | – Allocated food storage areas (if shared accommodation) including fridge, freezer and cupboard/larder space. You can include appliance instructions in your VITA SafeREFUGE Welcome Pack plus place simple instructions near the appliances themselves. Basic Kitchen Items on Arrival: – Kettle – Toaster – Saucepans – Frying pan – Baking trays – Sieve/colander – A few sharp knives – Chopping board – Wooden spoons – Grater – Peeler – Tin opener – Glasses, cups and mugs – Cutlery – Food storage wrap – Containers and clips. – Food/name labels and pen if needed (shared accommodation) – Cloth/sponge/scouring pads – Surface cleaner spray – Washing up liquid – Dishwasher tablets – Hand soap – Hand towels – Tea towels – Oven gloves – Table and drinks mats – Young families may need an infant high-chair or booster seat. – Young families may appreciate children’s plates, cups and cutlery. – Ensure the kitchen is safe for young children ie child locks on cupboards with cleaning liquids, knives etc. Basic Food Items on arrival (minimum): – Milk – Bread – Butter – Cornflakes/porridge oats – Tea bags – Coffee – Sugar – Salt & Pepper – Cooking Oil – Additional items very welcome including pasta, rice, eggs, cheese, baked beans, fresh fruit, biscuits, jam etc. |
| LAUNDRY & CLEANING | – Access to a washing machine with instructions. – Laundry liquid or capsules (safely stored) – Access to iron and ironing board – Washing basket – Access to drying rack, clothesline and/or tumble dryer. – OR details of local laundrette. – Simple sewing kit – Cleaning cloths – Multisurface cleaning spray – Toilet cleaning liquid – Floor brush – Dustpan and brush – Vacuum cleaner (with instructions) – Mop, bucket and floor cleaner liquid – Black sack/bin bags – General waste bin – Recycling bin |
| BATHROOM, TOWELS & PERSONAL HYGIENE | – Anti-bacterial hand soap – Hand towels – Toilet rolls – Bin – Non-slip bathmat – Floor mat – Shampoo – Shower Gel – Feminine hygiene items / sanitary towels – Toothbrush holder – Bath towel for each guest. – Flannel per guest. |
| TOILETS | – Anti-bacterial hand soap – Hand towels – Toilet Rolls – Bin – Toilet brush and holder |
| BEDROOM (per guest) | – Mattress cover – Duvet Pillows x 2 – Fitted sheet x 2 – Duvet cover x 2 – Pillow cases x 4 – Blanket – Bedside table and light – Electric socket – Window and keys (if relevant) – Hanging clothes storage with hangers – Cupboard Mirror |
| LOUNGE / SITTING ROOM | – Enough chairs to seat all guests. – Additional blankets. |
| ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR BABIES AND CHILDREN | Please see this advice and equipment referral form from The Sanctuary Foundation – https://www.sanctuaryfoundation.org.uk/resources/babies-children |
Staying on the Right Side of the Law
As a host you must treat refugee guests with dignity and provide accommodation within the law at all times.
You MUST NOT:
- Charge your refugee guests rent within this hosting scheme.
- Charge your refugee guests rent in arrears or place them in a situation of financial debt to you for accommodation.
- Charge your guests the equivalent of rent by asking them to pay for food or items for you and your household from their means on a regular basis.
- Charge your guests excessive fees for accidental damage to any household items.
- Take any passports, identification documents or other paperwork away from your guests.
- Force your guests to work for you for free or minimal payment in exchange for accommodation or items. This includes forced domestic labour and childcare.
- Force or strongly persuade your guests to work for a business you or a colleague owns against their will.
- Perform any abusive acts against any adult or child in your household, either in person, online or through other forms of force, fraud, deception or coercion.
- Demand or infer the need for any form of sexual or other favours in return for accommodation or non-interference in daily life.
- Misuse or interfere in any way with your guests bank accounts or government benefits.
- Take photographs, videos, items or break the privacy of your guests in any way without consent.
EXPLOITATION AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING ARE SERIOUS CRIMES WITH GRAVE CONSEQUENCES
You SHOULD:
- Seek help if you are worried that a child or young person being hosted in your house or community might be experiencing abuse or exploitation. You can speak to a member of your hosting support team or call the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty against Children) on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk. You can also do this anyonymously.
- Seek help from your hosting support team or call the Modern Slavery Helpline if you are worried that a child, young person or adult of any age may be experiencing exploitation, human trafficking or modern slavery. You can report anonymously.
Modern Slavery Helpline 08000 121 700 or report online here: https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org/report
For Professionals & Advocates
Our SafeREFUGE aim
To provide a trauma-informed, health-centred approach to the prevention, intervention, and aftercare of survivors of human trafficking, exploitation and trauma in the context of any humanitarian crises.
VITA aligns with concerns from the refugee, modern slavery and human trafficking expert sectors that the government’s response to the crisis in Ukraine, and its current standard processes inadequately protect the safety, human rights and health of individuals and families fleeing war, conflict and persecution.
VITA continues it’s health and public health advocacy work to improve UK systems and structures in addition to providing resources to help mitigate risks where possible.
We remain fully independent from the UK government. Watch this space for opportunities and ways in which you can advocate for better systems, responses and support for refugees and asylum seekers.
Please contact us
We would love to hear what you think of our SafeREFUGE resources.
Tell us what you’ve found useful, how you’ve used them, any suggestions you have for improvement, recommendations for developing further materials and resources.
VITA’s safe refuge response to the russian invasion of ukraine:
VITA recognises that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has created a humanitarian crisis demanding both urgent and longer term strategic responses from many nations, including the UK.
We acknowledge that there is currently a national outpouring of compassion and we want to support the subsequent national drive for action to be sustainable and trauma-informed. A trauma-informed approach aims to promote physically and psychologically safer hosting of Ukrainian refugees and may help reduce the risk of host nation compassion fatigue.
VITA also recognises the clear link between human vulnerability in humanitarian crises and increased risks of human trafficking at all stages of the refugee journey and resettlement. The prevention, intervention, and aftercare of survivors of human trafficking must be integrated into the national response.