Support for Ukrainian nationals

Advice and support

Щоб прочитати цю сторінку українською, перегляньте Google Translate Підтримка громадян України 

Disclaimer: as the translations linked above are provided by Google Translate, Runnymede Borough Council cannot be held responsible for their accuracy.

Welcome to all families in our area. Every Tuesday from 12:30pm until 2pm our team host a drop-in session at Revive Café in Chertsey. Come along to meet other Ukrainian refugees and sponsors, have a chat with our team and grab a free cup of coffee or tea and a bite to eat!

Every Tuesday 12.30 - 2pm

Foodbank support

Every Wednesday at The Beacon (above Revive café Chertsey) 10am-12pm. Please pop along to the Tuesday Revive café drop in for a referral. Contact oksana@voluntarysupport.org.ukfor further information.

Learning English

Free English language courses for Ukrainian nationals who have come to the UK via the Ukraine Family Scheme or the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme to enrol at a local College.

for information about English classes running locally email ukrainian@runnymede.gov.uk for a current list.

Driving and having your car in the UK

The official guidance on bringing your car to the UK

 Tell HMRC about the temporary arrival of a non-UK private motor vehicle for personal use (C110) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

You can drive on your Ukrainian licence for up to 12 months from arriving in the UK. After 12 months you must exchange your licence to keep driving.

Exchange a foreign driving licence - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Temporary bus pass available for Ukrainian nationals

Surrey County Council has worked with bus operators in Surrey to set up a scheme offering Ukrainian nationals a bus pass to give them free travel on their most used bus route for 6 months. Please follow the link below to fill out the online form

Pets arriving in the UK with Ukrainian refugees

The Animal and Plant Health Agency  provides quick licence approvals and quarantine arrangements to avoid creating additional burdens or delays. The government also covers vaccination, microchipping and quarantine costs, recognising that Ukrainian arrivals will not have been able to complete the full health preparations required for their pet on its arrival.

Before arrival, please contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Email: pettravel@apha.gov.uk

Tel: +44 3000 200 301 and select option 2

Sight loss support

A number of sight loss charities including Royal National Institute of Blind People and Guide Dogs have come together to offer free advice, support and assistance (including free equipment such as canes and other mobility items) to Ukrainians in the UK.

Support can be accessed by calling the sight loss advice helpline on 8:00am – 8:00pm on weekdays and 9:00am-1:00pm on Saturdays

Tel: 0303 123 9999

An interpretation service is also available for anyone who needs it.

The Sanctuary Foundation is offering a free course as an introduction to refugee safety, wellbeing and support.

Surrey community helpline

Tel: 0300 200 1008 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays)

Barnardo's has set up a helpline to provide support for Ukrainian families. The helpline is for anyone fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, including children and families arriving in the UK. It offers help and advice on a range of topics.

Help for anyone fleeing the war in Ukraine | Helplines (barnardos.org.uk)

Barnardo's free helpline 0800 148 8586 has English speakers and interpreters in Ukrainian and Russian. It is open Monday to Friday (10am-8pm) and Saturday (10am-3pm). 

A dedicated email address ukrainiansupport@barnardos.org.uk and webpage have also been set up for those helping with the Ukraine response.

Surrey Domestic Abuse helpline

Tel: 01483 776822 9am to 9pm, 7 days a week

Modern Slavery helpline

Report concerns on exploitation and Modern Slavery

Tel: 08000 0121 700