Devon’s local authorities are supporting local residents who want to provide sanctuary to the Ukrainian refugees who have been forced to flee their homes.

A new website now hosts the latest guidance and information as it becomes available.

Team Devon, which includes Devon County Council, East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge and Torridge District Councils, West Devon Borough Council and Exeter City Council, condemned Russia's actions when it first invaded Ukraine.

The local authorities are giving particular support to families in Devon whose relatives in Ukraine are fleeing the conflict, as well as to households who volunteer to accommodate refugees.

The councils’ support of Ukraine follows their previous commitment, alongside health and voluntary sector partners and local communities, to help Syrian families and those fleeing conflict in Afghanistan.

The county council is receiving the latest information from the government on the sponsors who have registered, and DBS checks on the sponsor families are being carried out.

And Devon’s district authorities are using a common approach to assess each sponsor’s accommodation, which will help better assess any potential safeguarding risks.

Chair of the Devon District’s Forum, Councillor Bob Deed, said:

“The fighting continues to have a devastating impact on civilians, and we have a moral duty to support families fleeing Ukraine to join their family members here in the UK.  There has been a huge groundswell of goodwill with many Devon residents registering to help with more registering every day, and now we are focused with ensuring that the refugees can join their families as quickly and safely as possible.  The safety and wellbeing of those we are welcoming is one of our main priorities we have already made good progress in that regard.

“As soon as we receive new information or guidance from Government, we will post it on the website.”