Branches & agencies
Hinckley & Rugby Building Society has teamed up with Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council to provide support to families arriving from Ukraine to join family members in the United Kingdom.
In response to the current crisis in Ukraine, the Society approached the council to explore how refugees settling in the borough could be assisted following concern that Ukrainian citizens entering the country to join family members through the Ukraine Family Visa Scheme are not eligible for any financial assistance. Only refugees on the Homes for Ukraine (H4U) scheme are currently entitled to receive financial assistance.
On the H4U scheme, families immediately receive £200 to assist with buying essential items such as food and toiletries until any relevant benefits are in place. People on the family visa scheme do not receive this payment and their families are not always in a financial position to help.
Chief Executive Officer of Hinckley & Rugby Building Society, Colin Fyfe, said:
“We have all seen a brief glimpse of the terrible events in Ukraine which have developed over the last few weeks. Although it is difficult to imagine the full extent of the disruption which so many ordinary people are facing, we believe that there is a role for the Society to play in offering support in any way it can – Society staff have also volunteered their time at the Feed the Hungry centre in Hinckley where donations for the Ukrainian families have been collected.”
Leader of the Council, Councillor Stuart Bray said:
“Refugees arriving in the borough who fit this visa criteria have been overwhelmed by the gesture. I would like to thank Hinckley & Rugby Building Society for its generosity and would like to hear from any other businesses which want to help in this manner.
“I have seen first-hand the kindness of residents. Donations have steadily arrived at the council offices and local charities are working hard to sort and distribute items. It is humbling to see how much people want to help.”
If you are a local business and wish to help, please email ukraine@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk
