Families hosting Ukrainian refugees under UK government scheme urged to fill in communal questionnaire

Jewish respondents to the government’s Homes For Ukraine appeal are being urged to take part in a survey aimed at providing further support for those hosting refugees.

In an initiative supported by the Jewish Leadership Council, Board of Deputies, Mitzvah Day and the Jewish Volunteering Network, the survey will help both to establish just how many families from within the community have taken part in the scheme.

It will also allow those hosting refugees to request specialist support, either with further support, training around trauma, or general networking opportunities.

The JLC and Board established the Jewish Community Refugee Task Force in March 2022 to ensure that the Jewish community could provide a coordinated, needs-led, and effective response to the refugee crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

These organisations are already working closely with a number of local authorities with large Jewish populations.

Michelle Mitchell, Head of Strategic Collaboration at the JLC said“As we always knew would be the case, our community has shown huge generosity in wanting to support those fleeing the war in Ukraine. It is no small task to open your home to a stranger in need and we want to ensure that all those helping receive the support they need when taking on such an important responsibility.”

Board President Marie van der Zyl added: “The reaction from the Jewish community to the Ukrainian refugee crisis has been genuinely heartwarming. For our part, we need to understand the needs of those who have selflessly stepped forward to volunteer so that we can give them as much support as we possibly can. We hope as many as possible will fill out this questionnaire.”

Survey can be found here https://forms.gle/RFxYYorg14J5Qg67A

More information on the responsibilities of hosts and their local authorities can be found on the JLC’s website here https://www.thejlc.org/ukraine.