First Ukrainian families arrive in Denbighshire as part of refugee resettlement scheme

The first Ukrainian families have arrived in Denbighshire as part of a UK resettlement scheme.

Families have started arriving in the county with a further 19 hosts approved by Denbighshire Council under the national initiative.

The local authority is continuing to contact host families to carry out the necessary checks before approval can be given.

It said Denbighshire had a “long history” of supporting refugees, with 25 families resettled in the area over the last five years.

The number amounts to 95 people in total, who were mostly fleeing from the Taliban in Afghanistan and the war in Syria.

Ann Lloyd, the council’s interim head of service for community support services, said: “We are pleased to have been able to welcome the first families arriving in Denbighshire.

“The council is working to ensure the relevant support is available for families once they arrive in Denbighshire, this includes our education team processing applications for school places.

“Through Home Office funding, we are well placed to provide the necessary support and have a working group to manage the programme, as well as a dedicated team working directly with families, and additional support from partners in the third sector and from local volunteer groups.

“A number of Denbighshire residents have come forward to offer accommodation to those who have been forced to leave Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict and on behalf of the council I would like to thank them for their generosity.

“We are continuing the process of contacting residents who have offered accommodation to arrange the relevant checks before we can move to the next stage.”

If anyone has any enquiries, or would like to offer accommodation, they should e-mail ukresettlement@denbighshire.gov.uk and for more information visit https://gov.wales/homes-ukraine-guidance-sponsors-html