Local support
Homes For Ukraine Scheme - support project and brief
Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action (CAVA) is currently working in collaboration with Warwickshire County Council (WCC) to establish a directory of new offers of help and support from local organisations. The main goal of the directory is to enable signposting of individuals to the appropriate groups and organisations who are actively involved in supporting Ukrainian guests and host families.
Free Vodafone SIM cards to Ukrainian guests
Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action (CAVA) support 400 individuals arriving to Warwickshire under the Homes to Ukraine programme with a sim card provided by Vodafone. The SIM cards are Pay as You Go SIMs that will each come with 20GB data each month plus unlimited calls and texts for a period of six months (activated on use).
You can apply for a sim card for your guest (s) via this online form.
Delivery to CAVA is expected in early May and sim cards will be dispatched as quickly as possible once received. As this is part of this funded grant CAVA will require feedback from recipients on the support these sims have enabled.
If you have any questions on this support, please email warwickinfo@wcava.org.uk
Community groups
Circle of Friends – Warwick
Circle of Friends, is a voluntary community sponsorship group based in Warwick. They provide valuable assistance and support in various areas:
- Benefits System: They provide detailed information and advice regarding the benefits system.
- Jobcentre Registration: Their team assists individuals in registering with the local jobcentre, ensuring they have access to employment-related resources and opportunities.
- GP and Dentist Registration: They guide individuals through the process of registering with a general practitioner (GP) and dentist, ensuring they can access necessary healthcare services in the community.
- School Placement Applications: They offer support and guidance to individuals and families in applying for school placements, ensuring a smooth transition and access to educational opportunities.
Circle of Friends hosts a weekly Welcome Cafe every Monday from 10.30 am to 12 pm. Attendees can join them at St Mary Immaculate Church Hall, located at West Street, Warwick, CV34 6AB. The Welcome Cafe is a friendly gathering where newly arrived Ukrainians, local hosts, and friends can meet, make connections, enjoy refreshments, and provide informal support with practical tasks.
Welcome Here Stratford
Welcome Here organises social activities, including drop-ins for refugees from Ukraine, social gatherings for refugees and hosts, and providing a supportive network.
With over 60 active volunteers and more than 300 supporters, Welcome Here continues to make a positive impact in the community. They also offer buddying services, helping hosts in welcoming refugees, and are open to supporting socials in other parts of the Stratford-on-Avon district.
Visit the Welcome Here Stratford Facebook page for more information.
Hearts and Homes
Hearts and Homes have an English language workshop each Tuesday afternoon from 4.30pm at the Bidford Church Hall. In addition, general assistance can be given including travel, obtaining work, insurance, setting up home. The support provided by Hearts and Homes is ongoing and indefinite, ensuring that individuals have the necessary support for as long as it is required.
Hearts and Homes primarily serves the South Warwickshire and Stratford Upon Avon District areas, as well as locally in Worcestershire.
For more information or to get in touch with Hearts and Homes, please contact The Rev. Michael Godfrey:
Warwick Conversation café
Warwick Conversation Café is a welcoming initiative that started in March 2023. Led by dedicated volunteers from Warwick churches under the umbrella of Warwick Quakers. Their goal is to support refugees settling in Warwick by offering an enjoyable and friendly environment for English conversation practice.
You can join the conversation café every Monday morning during term-time, from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm, at Warwick Quakers located at 39 High Street, Warwick. Whether you're a beginner or a confident learner, they have groups to accommodate your needs. Pre-school children are also welcome to attend.
No booking is required. Just drop in and improve your English language skills through engaging conversations at Warwick Conversation Café.
For more information contact: conversationcafe.warwick@gmail.com