Help for Ukraine
How you can help support the people of Ukraine
Homes for Ukraine - Host information session
An online information session for Ukraine Hosts is being held on Tuesday 31 August from 6pm to 7pm.
Led by Alison White, Director of the West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, it aims to cover supports are available for your guests once their time with you comes to an end.
Any specific questions that you would like to be covered in this session should be emailed in advance to ukrainesupportteam@westlothian.gov.uk (opens new window)by Tuesday 30 August at 12 noon.
We will not be able to discuss individual cases at this session due to data protection.
To register, please visit Ukraine Host online information session registration (opens new window)
Support for people of Ukraine
The Scottish Government has set up a website about how to give your support.
Register as a host
Accessible through the UK Government's online portal, a distinct route to accommodation, support and care in Scotland - the Warm Scots Welcome - is now available to people displaced by the invasion of Ukraine.
Acting as a 'super sponsor', the Scottish Government's route removes the need for applicants to be matched to a named individual before they are cleared to travel to the UK through the visa system.
A welcome guide for Ukrainians
The UK Government has published a welcome guide for people arriving from Ukraine with information on what to expect in the first few days and how to settle in with your sponsor family.
How hosts can support their Ukrainian guests
The Gov.UK website has FAQs and advice for hosts.
How to enrol children in schools
Information about schools and education and enrolling a child in a West Lothian school can be found at the following links:
Getting medical support
Help with communicating
The council's website can be translated into written or spoken Ukrainian by using the headphones icon on the bottom left hand side of every page.
Google Translate can help with translating basic conversation into written or spoken Ukrainian.
Further council help and support
If you still need help:
Below is a list of community appeals that West Lothian Council is aware of and are happy to share. Many are collections and some have deadlines.
GOCC Edinburgh
GOCC Edinburgh are accepting donations for Ukraine, a list of what is currently accepted, and the collection points, are on their Facebook page. They also need volunteers to help out at the warehouse.
Sunflower Scotland Humanitarian Fund
An Edinburgh couple are collecting non-perishable food stuffs; tins, packets of dried pasta, rice and flour. They also sourcing toiletries including nappies, sanitary products, soaps and shampoos, washing powder, and other cleansing agents as well as toilet rolls.
Linlithgow Refugee Action Group
We are coordinating across Linlithgow to
- Help refugees get to Linlithgow
- Help refugees who are in Linlithgow
- Support host families
- Provide a way for Linlithgow's people and organisations to give real and powerful help in this terrible situation.
We have a Facebook page to share requests and already legal people, translators and individuals have volunteered expertise and practical help. Those who are applying through the Homes for Ukraine scheme are giving each other tips about the process.
We are collating a list of available rooms and properties which are immediately available in Linlithgow as people contact us with their details.
For more information email linlithgowrefugeeaction@gmail.com
Centrepoint Church Bathgate
Centrepoint Church Bathgate have opened a Ukraine Relief Fund
Linlithgow Academy
Linlithgow Academy have launched a Go Fund Me page for the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal
Wee Winchburgh Café
The Wee Winchburgh Café have a list of things they are collecting such as brand new socks, paracetamol, antiseptic and toothpaste
Baby Box Appeal
There is a baby box appeal with collections by people in West Lothian
Andrea's Animals Uphall
Andrea's Animals are collecting pet related items and are collecting donations from Riverside Vets in Livingston
West Lothian Updates
West Lothian Updates are available at UK Aid for Ukraine Facebook (opens new window)
Other Information
- The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain also have a Ukraine Go Fund Me (opens new window)
- Other financial donation links are noted on Russia’s war against Ukraine. What can you do to support Ukraine & Ukrainians? (opens new window)
- Ready Scotland Humanitarian Support (opens new window)
If anyone wants to add to this list of appeals, please email:
