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Hull, UK, Mar 29, 2022 -- A new dedicated telephone helpline has been set up to support people arriving in Hull and the East Riding from the war in Ukraine.

Launched by Hull City Council and East Riding Council, the new service is being manned by advisers who speak Ukrainian, Russian and English and will run alongside new web pages on each councils' websites. So far, it's not known how many refugees are likely to come to the region.

Dedicated case workers from both councils will aim to ensure people have immediate help with living essentials, along with access to health, education, employment and training services. Practical help will be available to help people set up bank accounts, claim benefits or access charitable grants, where applicable.

Advisors will also provide information on local voluntary sector organisations and places of worship, which are offering invaluable help and support. Ukrainian citizens in the Hull area will be able to arrange face-to-face appointments via the city council's website.

City council leader Councillor Daren Hale said: "Hull City Council is committed to doing everything it can to respond to the unprecedented and heart-breaking situation in Ukraine .On behalf of the council I would like to thank the people of Hull, the city’s businesses, its communities and voluntary organisations for their tremendous generosity in response to the Hull4Ukraine appeal.

East Riding Council leader Councillor Jonathan Owen added: "The situation in Ukraine is on the mind of everyone across the East Riding and it has been fantastic to see such a generous response so far by residents, businesses and organisations alike.

"The refugees from Ukraine have already undertaken an incredible journey to make it to our shores and we as a council will ensure those refugees receive whatever support and advice they require to make their stay in our area is as comfortable as possible during such a difficult time."

In Hull, a multi-agency steering group has also been set up for all involved in supporting Ukrainian people arriving in the city via the government's Homes For Ukraine scheme. It will oversee issues ranging from property checks on the suitability of accommodation being offered by hosts to support for schools.

The city council has also donated £15,000 to the volunteer-led Hull4Ukraine community group which is managing donations and the onward distribution of humanitarian aid to Ukraine and nearby countries hosting large numbers of refugees. The funding is mainly covering fuel; and transportation costs.

The first phase of the scheme opened on March 18 for visa applications for Ukrainians who have named people in the UK willing to sponsor them. The government has not set a limit on the number of people it will allow into the UK under the scheme.

Councils have not yet been told how many refugees they should expect, how much warning they will have or when refugees will start arriving in the Uk in significant numbers. More than 20,000 applications have so far been received by the Home Office but the government has yet to say how many Ukrainians have so far been welcomed into the country.

#contactcenterworld, @hullccnews

Posted by Veronica Silva Cusi, news correspondent
Source: https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk