Suffolk County Council has announced a one-off £2,000 support grant for Ukrainian refugees moving on from their host into their own accommodation.

The Independent Living Payment will be available to Ukrainian Refugees, who are moving into private rented accommodation after 1 April 2023. Guests must have been living in Suffolk for a minimum of two months and be registered on the Suffolk Homes for Ukraine scheme to be eligible for the payment.

The funding can be used for any associated housing costs, including furniture, moving costs or travel to work. The support can be used towards accommodation which is furnished or unfurnished, and accommodation can be in Suffolk or out of county as long as a copy of the new tenancy agreement is provided.

Ukrainian guests can apply for the Independent Living Payment by visiting www.suffolk.gov.uk/ukraine and completing the application form. Application forms can also be requested by emailing [email protected]

Cllr Bobby Bennett, Cabinet Member for Equality and Communities, said: "We are grateful to all the hosts who have welcomed Ukrainian guests into our county and supported them to thrive in our local communities. This support will assist our Ukrainian guests to move on from their hosts and live independently in Suffolk."

Suffolk Refugee Support can provide general advice and support for any Ukrainian Refugees looking to live independently in Suffolk, such as help with education, employment, access to immigration advice, housing, utilities, welfare benefits and more. Visit https://suffolkrefugee.org.uk/ for more information.

Suffolk continues to be in need of new sponsors to support Ukrainian families who are not yet ready to leave sponsorship. If you think you can help, or know of anybody who could, please get in touch. You can register with Suffolk County Council at www.suffolk.gov.uk/ukraine