A West Lothian housing supplier has pledged to supply houses to Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion.
Wheatley Group marked World Refugee Day on Monday by providing accessible houses to native authorities throughout Scotland, together with in West Lothian.
The supply on by Wheatley will assist assist the pledge by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the Scottish Authorities that Scotland will residence a good and proportionate share of displaced individuals from the Ukraine arriving within the UK.
Wheatley Group Chair Jo Armstrong mentioned: “We wish to play our half in supporting Ukrainians who're in search of sanctuary from the battle and supply them with a protected place to dwell throughout this ongoing disaster.
“We'll use our experience and expertise, in addition to our scale and capability, to bolster Scotland’s response to the unfolding horror of the battle in Ukraine. We'll guarantee our tailored wraparound assist companies meet the pressing wants of refugees from Ukraine, because it has for the individuals and households in turmoil who’ve arrived right here from different nations lately.”
Minister with Particular Accountability for Refugees from Ukraine, Neil Grey MSP, added: “We respect the Wheatley Group, as Scotland greatest social landlord, making houses and assist accessible to displaced individuals from Ukraine. Alongside their on a regular basis work to assist individuals with housing wants, they've recognised the significance of helping nationwide efforts to residence 1000's of individuals fleeing Ukraine.
“The Scottish Authorities and companions have been offering sensible assist to displaced individuals. Guaranteeing we have now a provide of protected, safe houses in partnership with councils, housing companions and particular person host volunteers is a crucial a part of this work, and we're grateful to everybody who's supporting this.
“We additionally welcome the Wheatley Group’s beneficiant bursaries to assist Ukrainian musicians to proceed their research on the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.”
As well as, Wheatley Basis – the group’s charitable belief which invests over £5 million yearly supporting deprived and susceptible individuals in Wheatley communities – will supply six schooling bursaries value £3000 over two years to assist Ukrainian college students learning on the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland from September.
Providing lots of of accessible houses to native authorities is the newest contribution made by Wheatley to assist individuals fleeing war-torn nations. Between January, 2016, and December 31, 2021, Wheatley re-housed 1356 individuals who had fled their homeland to re-build their lives in Scotland.
The corporate can be growing a welcome pack for refugees. The pack will assist refugees entry info and recommendation on their rights, selections and housing choices, together with tenancy agreements translated into the highest 5 languages spoken by refugees.
Refugees can even get info to assist them entry employment, schooling and volunteering, in addition to make cultural and social connections and get entangled in leisure and sport.
The pack, which will likely be accessible on-line and in laborious copy, can even include particulars on Wheatley’s assist companies, together with emergency meals by EatWell, furnishings by Dwelling Comforts, assist with advantages recommendation and gasoline recommendation, and assist to settle into a brand new residence by My Nice Begin.
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