As events continue to unfold following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we’ll do as much as we can to support those affected at this time of crisis.
We hope that our donation of £6,000 to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has gone some way to helping those affected by the conflict, by providing food and blankets as well as essential hygiene for nearly 100 people.
Our vision is that everyone has a home, and this includes people facing the impossible decision of leaving their country and facing an uncertain future. Over the coming months, we'll be working with local authorities to find people fleeing from Ukraine a safe place to call home.
We’re also backing the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme and will support our customers to open their homes to Ukrainians who temporarily need somewhere safe to stay. You can read more on how you can take part in the scheme below.
There are lots of other ways you can support the people of Ukraine. We’ve listed some charities that are helping with relief for those affected by the current situation below:
• The British Red Cross: has launched an appeal to help the Ukrainian Red Cross to provide water, food, medicine, clothing and shelter, as well as first aid training in bomb shelters
• The UNHCR refugee agency: is funding emergency shelters, repairs for homes damaged by shelling, emergency cash assistance, psychological support and warm clothing – Donate to UK for UNHCR (unrefugees.org.uk)
• UNICEF: the UN's children's charity is helping to ensure families have clean water and food and that child health and protection services continue - Ukraine crisis: donate now to protect children - UNICEF UK
• Save the Children: is providing cash assistance, food and other support to refugees crossing into Romanian and Lithuania, as well as in Ukraine itself - Ukraine Appeal | Donate | Save the Children UK.
Homes for Ukraine scheme
The government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme allows people to open their homes to Ukrainians to live in if they’ve been forced to escape the country.
If you’d like to take part in the scheme, consider the guidance below that's most relevant to you.
We support customers who’ve made the decision to take part in the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
In line with your tenancy agreement, you’ll need to let us know about your plans by applying with us to take in a lodger.
We won’t unreasonably withhold permission for you to take part and we can provide the appropriate consent, ensure your accommodation is appropriate, and connect you to further support available.
Call our Contact Centre on 0333 400 8222 or visit MyAster if you’re thinking about taking part in the scheme.
When you get in touch, we’ll discuss your individual circumstances to make sure the scheme is suitable for you. There are several things to consider before committing to the scheme, for example:
- Your tenancy agreement
- Whether there’s enough space in your home to welcome a lodger without overcrowding
- If you can commit to the full six months length of the scheme
- What support a lodger may need to adjust to living in a new country
- The impact this will have on your household bills.
You’ll then need to register your interest through the government scheme website.
Please get in touch with the home ownership team who can help you to review your lease and understand what support you can offer.
Speak to the team by emailing:
Wiltshire - homeownership.wiltshire@aster.co.uk
Hampshire – homeownershiphants@aster.co.uk
Somerset and South West – homeownershipsomersetandsouthwest@aster.co.uk
Devon and Cornwall – homeownershipdevoncornwall@aster.co.uk
Dorset – Homeownershipdorset@aster.co.uk
We support customers who’ve made the decision to take part in the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
In line with your lease, you’ll need to let us know about your plans by applying with us to take in a lodger.
We won’t unreasonably withhold permission for you to take part and we can provide the appropriate consent, ensure your accommodation is appropriate, and connect you to further support available.
Call our Contact Centre on 0333 400 8222 or visit MyAster if you’re thinking about taking part in the scheme.
When you get in touch, we’ll discuss your individual circumstances to make sure the scheme is suitable for you. There are several things to consider before committing to the scheme, for example:
- Your tenancy agreement
- Whether there’s enough space in your home to welcome a lodger without overcrowding
- If you can commit to the full six months length of the scheme
- What support a lodger may need to adjust to living in a new country
- The impact this will have on your household bills.
You’ll then need to register your interest through the government scheme website.
More information available
Find out more about Homes for Ukraine here.