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. If you would like to share experiences with other Ukrainians who have arrived in our towns, access advice and support drop-in meetings have been set up by Voluntary Support North Surrey.

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 info@runnymede.foodbank.org.uk for further information.

English learning

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.

Vodafone SIM

RefugEase have teamed up with Vodafone to offer free SIM cards to Ukrainian refugees arriving in the UK

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 3 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 is providing quick licence approvals and quarantine arrangements to avoid creating additional burdens or delays. The government is also covering vaccination, microchipping and quarantine costs, recognising that Ukrainian arrivals will not have been able to complete the full health preparations required for their pets 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.