Community Action Isle of Wight, working in partnership with the IW Council, is gearing up to welcome Ukrainians to the Island.
The charity will be working closely with the council and other partners to mobilise the support required on the Island.
The first activity will be to gauge how many people may be arriving on the Island and to then begin co-ordinating the vital response and support required.
Under the Homes for Ukraine scheme people can now also apply to sponsor someone to help fast-track their entry into the UK and more than 150,000 people in the UK have already registered their interest.
Mike Bulpitt, chief executive of Community Action said:
“The first stage of the scheme focuses on those who already know someone in Ukraine they are willing to sponsor, and we particularly want to hear from those people now with named contacts in Ukraine who they will be supporting with a visa application.
“This will help us gauge the immediate level of support required and help those Ukrainians arriving on the Island identify and access the help and assistance they need.”
To help support the process, Community Action IW has established a dedicated email: [email protected], and a phoneline (539374) which will operate initially from today (Friday) and over this weekend, and thereafter from Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm.
This email and number is also there for any Ukrainians on the Island needing help and support.
Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox, leader of the Isle of Wight Council said:
"It is our task to ensure support is in place, both for those offering homes and also to those needing sanctuary.
"We look forward to helping the Ukrainian people and sincerely thank all those who have come forward with accommodation, help and support - you are very special people.”