Help for Ukraine
How you can help support the people of Ukraine
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.
- Visit the Gov.UK FAQs page (opens new window)
- More information for hosts, including thank you payments (opens new window)
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 Accessibility button at the top of the page.
Google Translate can help with translating basic conversation into written or spoken Ukrainian.
Employment and benefits
- Access 2 Employment can provide support to source employment: Access2Employment - West Lothian Council
- Benefits advice can be provided by the Advice Shop: Advice Shop - West Lothian Council
Housing and homelessness
- Information on applying for a Council house in West Lothian:Apply for Housing - West Lothian Council
- If you are roofless or are threatened with homeless, information on next steps and support available:Housing Options and Homelessness - West Lothian Council
Ukraine Extension Scheme
The Ukraine Extension Scheme will open on 4 February 2025 to applicants who have permission through an existing Ukraine Scheme and wish to apply for an 18 month extension: Apply to stay in the UK under the Ukraine Extension Scheme - GOV.UK
Support Services
The Scottish Refugee Council
The Scottish Refugee Council has a free helpline (Free helpline - Scottish Refugee Council) which is open Monday - Friday, 09:00 - 17:00. The phone number is 0808 196 7274; or contact can be made through email: ukraine@scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk
Barnardo's
Barnardo's have set up the Ukrainian Support Helpline to provide a holistic support service with the help of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (Help for anyone fleeing the Ukrainian conflict | Barnardo's (barnardos.org.uk)). The Helpline is open Monday to Friday 10:00-20:00 and Saturday 10:00-15:00. The phone number is 0800 148 8586 or an email can be sent to ukraniansupport@barnardos.org.uk
The British Red Cross
The British Red Cross have a support line where you can speak to a volunteer about support available for Ukrainian refugees in the UK. You can call the support line on 0808 196 3651 and press 1 for information related to Ukraine. You can also ask for an interpreter if required: Help for Ukrainian Refugees in the UK | British Red Cross.
Further council help and support
If you still need help:
