Sam DaviesWe’ve been hearing about Ukrainian families arriving in Queen Edith’s. Welcome to you! And thank you to the households who have offered to act as hosts.
We’re hearing that getting funds is takes a long time. Here are some pointers that might help.
- You are welcome to come to the Queen Edith’s Community Food Hub held every Saturday morning at St James’s Church on Wulfstan Way (1030am to 12noon) where you can collect some free basic groceries and also join us for coffee/tea and a friendly chat with local residents. If that’s not convenient, you can visit any of the other free food hubs across the city listed here. (Be aware that the food hubs are different to the Food Bank, which needs a referral – for this call the Trussell Trust/Citizens Advice National Helpline on 0808 2082138).
- Do apply for Universal Credit (UC) and Child Benefit if applicable. Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is very helpful in supporting applications – it’s best to call them first thing in the morning so you can get through. Ask about emergency payment (1 day rather than waiting 5 weeks). The number is 0800 144 8444.
- However, you can’t get a UC payment unless you have a bank account, so apply for a bank account as soon as possible, because it takes at least a week to be approved. You can open a Ukrainian refugee bank account without a UK permanent address at NatWest or HSBC.
- British Red Cross are providing £50 emergency payments and free SIM cards, though this also takes at least two weeks. Call 0808 196 3651, option 3
- There is a very helpful private WhatsApp chat group for new arrivals, we can put you in touch with the coordinator; please email hello@queen-ediths.info
- There is also a WhatsApp group for hosts in the Hills Road/Addenbrookes area to chat to each other. Please email cpfirth@gmail.com for the link to join the group.
- The information provided by the City Council can be found here – this will be revised and added to, so do check back if there’s something specific you are looking for.
