Bath & North East Somerset Council is opening a third round of Ukraine Support Funding to help Ukrainian guests promote their wellbeing, independence, and skills and support integration with local communities.

 The money, allocated by central government. could be used to provide a range of services and activities and the council particularly welcomes applications from organisations that provide support in the following areas:

•  English language development
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Integration into local communities

The last round of funding, which was allocated in 2023, supported eight organisations including Bath City Football Club and Somer Valley FM.

Bath City FC used the funding to provide displaced people with an opportunity to join the community at a football match and Somer Valley FM launched a new Ukraine radio show.

Applications for the third round of funding are open from today (February 1) and a total of £15,000 is available. Bids are invited from charities, volunteer, and community groups benefiting the displaced people they are supporting.

Organisations are invited to apply for up to £500 for a one-off event, or up to £2,000 to establish new services or extend an existing one. Applications can be made at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/apply-ukraine-support-fund.

The fund has been set up primarily to support people arriving from Ukraine, but the projects could be widened to include displaced people from other countries.

Councillor David Wood, cabinet member for Council Priorities & Delivery, said: "This funding helps people from Ukraine to rebuild their lives in the UK and ultimately empowers them to thrive in their new communities.

"Many generous residents in Bath and North East Somerset have already offered their homes as a refuge for those fleeing danger and various community groups and charities are actively assisting Ukrainian guests in achieving independence.

 "We strongly encourage local organisations with a good understanding of the needs of the Ukrainian guests they support, particularly in the areas of English language development and mental health support, to apply to the fund."

 The third round of funding will be available until 31 May 2024 but will close earlier if all funds have been allocated.

 All applications must:

• benefit a group of people, not an individual person
• be a charity, voluntary or community organisation that operates for the benefit of the local community and is not for profit
• have a constitution and valid bank account or a lead organisation, with a constitution and valid bank account
• show at least one of the following ways it will support Ukrainian Refugees:
• promote health and wellbeing
• promote independence
• improve English language skills
• assist with employment skills
• help integration into local B&NES communities

 Applications will be welcomed from organisations whose work combines the support of Ukrainians alongside other displaced communities.

 Anyone needing help to apply online can contact Mark Hayward on 01225 396975 or email [email protected]