Useful contacts
This page gives information on the sort of groups and individuals hosts and guests may be getting help and support from, and who they may need to talk to about things like property checks, DBS checks, schooling etc.
Shropshire Supports Refugees
Shropshire Supports Refugees, alongside Shropshire Council, is coordinating a network of support across the county to ensure guests and hosts feel supported no matter where they are in the county. they have a large team of volunteers poised and ready to offer support, to be a friend, and to supervise the support hub in the Riverside shopping centre, where people can drop in, get support, advice and signposting, as well as, eventually, activities and education. The hub can also be used as a safe base to explore the town from, meet up with friends, and sit down and chill out with a hot drink and food. As time moves on there will be many useful, fun and therapeutic services available at the hub.
There's also a donations unit where guests can come and get clothes and toiletries, and eventually furniture and household goods.
Opening hours are currently Monday to Thursday 11am til 4pm, but when they have a full rota of volunteers on board they're hoping it can be open seven days a week.
They have a closed Facebook group that they encourage all hosts and guests to join, where most of their announcements are made, and where and members share tips advice and experiences. They've also set up a variety of WhatsApp groups for hosts, guests, and volunteers that people are welcome to join. In here, people get to know each other and organise get-togethers and social events.
They're developing a list of phone numbers and organisations the guests may need, as well as 'Welcome to Shropshire' tourism packs.
They have free Sim cards for Ukrainian guests courtesy of Vodafone.
They're encouraging towns, villages and communities to develop a variety of safe spaces for guests to spend time in when they want to get out of the house, including village halls, churches and faith groups, local shops, pubs and town halls, and also libraries and leisure centres.
They're also encouraging networking between hosts and guests on a micro-local level to ensure that everybody feels supported, and to help and support the guests and hosts.
Testimonials relating to SSR can be found attached to this page.
Education
You can email Children&youngpeople@shropshire.gov.uk for help and advice on the following:
- The process for applying for a mainstream school place or a place in pre-school provision
- The schools with vacancies in the areas you're looking for a school place, so that you know which schools to approach – this can be provided down to specific year group level
For more information on issues relating to schooling, take a look at our main 'Education' page.