The Ukraine Team at Community Action are here to support you during your time on the Isle of Wight with any concerns or issues about anything at all, including employment, education and housing needs. You can get in touch by phone, email or we can arrange to meet with you in your home or somewhere else. We have an open-door policy in our office, so do feel free to come in to The Riverside Centre to see us for any reason, even if just to say hello! Do check ahead first just in case we are out and about. 

Phone: 01983 539374 or Email ukraine@actioniw.org.uk

When you arrive with your host, we will visit you at your new home and help you with some essential paperwork to set you up for living in the UK. This will include:

• Issuing a £200 cash welcome payment for each member of your family
• Applying for a National Insurance Number
• Applying for Universal Credit and/or other benefit payments
• Checking your registration on the eVisa schenme
• Help with opening a UK bank account
• Issuing you with a UK sim card
• Issuing you with a bus pass
• Registering with a doctor (GP) and National Health Service
• Registering for a school place for your child (if applicable)
• Enrolling for English lessons for adults at The Riverside Centre and the Isle of Wight College
• Providing you with information about the Isle of Wight to help you settle in
• Letting you know about the Isle of Wight Ukrainian Telegram Group

Our Ukraine team at Community Action is here for any support you may need. We don’t want you to feel you are struggling alone; we are here to help, no matter how big or small your problem. Come into The Riverside Centre at any time during office hours – Occasionally we are out and about, so get in touch before you come. Phone 01983 539374 or email ukraine@actioniw.org.uk

Some of the things you may need help with include:

Help with providing information about your immigration status and visas

• Help with applying for the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme
• Help with job applications, CV’s and where to look for work
• Help with living, working, studying and integration into the UK
• Help with finding alternative accommodation if your hosting is coming to an end
• Guidance on renting private accommodation

We have several social events each year which we hope you will enjoy. It’s a great way to get to know other Ukrainians living on the Island. Most events are free or at a discounted rate. Some past events include:

• Visits to Blackgang Chine and Robin Hill Country Park
• Day out to Tapnell Farm and Aqua Park
• Day on Sandown Beach with fun activities
• Visit to the Circus
• Country Dance Evening and Supper
• Christmas Party

Do get in touch with us if you have any ideas about other social activities you would like to take part in. We are always open to suggestions.