What support will the Welsh Government provide to Ukrainian refugees to tackle concerns around loneliness and isolation they may experience?
We stand in support of the Ukrainian people who are bravely resisting an assault on their sovereignty and independence.
The First Minister issued a Written Statement on 1 March setting out the steps the Welsh Government is taking to support Ukrainian citizens. The statement announced a package of £4m in financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine; this is provided through the Disasters Emergency Committee. This will help to provide timely and crucial support to many who are in desperate need.
We continue to press the UK Government to do more and to do so quickly to help the people of Ukraine and as a priority to put in place simple, fast, safe and legal routes to sanctuary in the UK.
We are seeking information from the UK Government about its proposed resettlement or sponsorship schemes which will help us to understand what emotional and social support is possible. However, Ukrainians coming to Wales under either the Family Scheme or the Sponsorship Scheme are likely to find immediate support through family and supportive Welsh community members.
We are also working closely with our partners in local government and across Wales to assess the levels of readiness and support required for these schemes. Our Sanctuary website ensures people coming to Wales from other countries can understand their rights and where to access both practical and emotional support. We will update this shortly to provide information for Ukrainians, once key questions have been answered by the UK Government.
In the meantime we are making connections with Wales-based Ukrainian groups, such as the Voice of Ukraine in Wales, to try to better understand the needs and social connection opportunities for those who arrive.
Connected Communities the Welsh Government’s Loneliness and Social Isolation strategy published in 2020 recognises refugees and asylum seekers are disproportionately more likely to experience loneliness and social isolation than others of the same age.
Through our loneliness and social isolation advisory group, with its membership from the public and third sectors and grass-roots organisations such as the British Red Cross, Cruse Bereavement Support and Samaritans Cymru, we will ensure ongoing support for Ukrainian refugees to help tackle any feelings of loneliness and social isolation remains a priority.