Saturday (24 August) is Ukrainian Independence Day and we’ll be celebrating the defiant spirit of the Ukrainian people by flying the Ukrainian flag at our offices.
There are currently 426 Ukrainian guests (205 families) living in the East Hampshire area with host families and in private rented accommodation. Approximately 80 East Hampshire households are active hosts, supporting Ukrainian families.
The district has welcomed 492 guests (232 families) since the launch of the scheme in March 2022, the third highest number in Hampshire.
We have dedicated staff working to ensure that Ukrainian guests have all of the support they need to be an active part of the East Hampshire community as well as providing opportunities for them to support each other through their shared experience.
In 2024, we have provided community support initiatives including English language classes, family events in Alton & Petersfield and a weekly yoga class in Petersfield. We have also worked in partnership with Everyone Active to offer six-monthly memberships and free adult and junior taster sessions at the three local leisure centres.
We remain committed to working with local organisations and agencies to provide support and much needed services to the families that are settling here.
Our next family event will be on Saturday 28 September at the Taro Leisure Centre in Petersfield and will be a fun swim session for Ukrainian children aged 5-12 years.
Councillor Catherine Clark, Chairman of East Hampshire District Council, said:
“I’m immensely proud of the support that East Hampshire residents have been able to provide to Ukrainians forced out of their country by war.
“It is hard to imagine the impact that being such a situation would have on your life and your family.
“EHDC is committed to providing all of the support we can for both our Ukrainian guests and the hosts that have opened their homes to them.”
Over next weekend, Creatful will be hosting an art event at the lake on the heath in Petersfield for Ukrainian guests as well as a display of Ukrainian art at the Petersfield Summer Festival on Sunday.
Could you host a Ukrainian family or individual?
All hosts through the Homes for Ukraine scheme will receive monthly payments from Hampshire County Council. These payments have been confirmed to run until March 2025.
If you are thinking of becoming a host or are an existing host and would like further support for you and your guests, please email ukrainesupport@easthants.gov.uk or complete our expression of interest form and one of the team will contact you to discuss this further.
Find out more about the support available for potential hosts and Ukrainian guests while they’re here on our website.