An appeal has been launched for homes for refugee families from Ukraine as the first anniversary of Russia's invasion approaches.

Richmond Council is looking for more hosts for people seeking sanctuary under the government's Homes for Ukraine scheme.

New homes are needed where the original host is no longer able to provide accommodation where, for example, they have moved away or due to family health issues.

The Council is particularly interested in hearing from people who want to help and have space for more than one adult or groups with children.

Richmond people have a particularly good record in welcoming people of Ukraine - and Hong Kong - in the past year.

The Prosperity Café, Twickenham, has provided a hub for the collection and transport of hundreds of thousands of pounds of clothes and other crucial items to families fleeing Putin's forces.

Cllr Nancy Baldwin, the spokesperson for Communities, Equalities and the Voluntary Sector, said: "In Richmond upon Thames, over 400 households have welcomed Ukrainian guests, given them a home and helped them start their lives in the UK.

"Unfortunately, the need has not gone away. As the war in Ukraine continues, these families are still seeking refuge and a safe home in Richmond. We have many guests wanting to stay here in our borough and needing continued support until they can find a home of their own.

"If you have thought about applying to be a host previously or are newly in a position to do so, please do get in touch to find out more."

Prospective hosts need to be able to offer accommodation for a minimum of six months, and those who are successfully matched to Ukrainian guests are offered a £350 per month 'thank you' payment once all relevant checks have been passed.

The accommodation can be anything from a spare room to an unoccupied home, as long as it's safe, heated and free from health hazards, and gives guests adequate access to bathroom and kitchen facilities.

At the moment, there is a particular need for accommodation suitable for more than one adult or families with children, although offers of rooms for single adults are still very welcome.

The Council would also like to hear from people who may have already expressed an interest to offer accommodation earlier in the year but have yet to be matched with a guest.

If you think you could commit to hosting, you can complete an online form – https://richmond-self.achieveservice.com/AchieveForms/?mode=fill&consentMessage=yes&form_uri=sandbox-publish://AF-Process-966d0a16-81e2-4a5b-8893-83929297290d/AF-Stage-ab1014ca-3e80-407e-b31c-a5fcdf727b7b/definition.json&process=1&process_uri=sandbox-processes://AF-Process-966d0a16-81e2-4a5b-8893-83929297290d&process_id=AF-Process-966d0a16-81e2-4a5b-8893-83929297290d

Find out more about the Homes for Ukraine scheme, including important information and things to think about before signing up to host - https://apply-to-offer-homes-for-ukraine.service.gov.uk/

Local authorities are responsible for the wrap-around support package for Ukrainian guests. Find out more information about support available in Richmond - https://www.richmond.gov.uk/services/foreign_national_resettlement/ukrainian_nationals

If you have any questions please email the Richmond Homes for Ukraine Team on [email protected]