A support strategy to help Ukrainian people suffering from the countries’ invasion has been outlined by Wokingham Borough Council. 

The council has pledged to translate “words into actions” to help those affected by Russian president Vladimir Putin’s illegal war. 

The borough’s mayor, Councillor Keith Baker, said: “The horrors being perpetrated on men, women and children – especially the children – have not been seen in Europe since the Second World War. 

“We grieve over so much loss of innocent life, especially children, and we stand united with the Ukrainian people.” 

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As the council gears up to welcome significant numbers of refugees from Ukraine, it is prepared, alongside the voluntary sector, to offer them “moral and practical support.” 

The initiatives include providing a £200 payment to each refugee arriving from under the Government's Homes for Ukraine scheme, assigning a support worker to all refugees and hosts, as well as Identifying trauma counselling or other mental health support that may be needed and matching children arriving with available school places. 

The council leader, John Halsall, said: “We know many local people have registered to be hosts - and quite a few have already been contacted and have Ukrainians on their way to join them. 

“The council and our voluntary sector partners are working closely together to make sure we are ready to support those arriving and those who are so generously taking them in.”

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All groups within the council are unanimous in their condemnation of events unfolding in Ukraine. 

The leader of the council’s Labour group, Councillor Rachel Burgess, said: “At this horrendous time, our solidarity lies with the Ukrainian people. Wokingham borough residents are ready to offer refugees sanctuary and the public response has been fantastic.” 

The leader of the council’s Liberal Democrat group, Councillor Clive Jones, said: “I'm very proud of the response of Wokingham residents to the various appeals to offer help to Ukraine and its people. It shows once again that we are a kind, caring and compassionate country.” 

The leader of the council’s Independent group, Councillor Jim Frewin, said: “I could not be more proud of this council, its officers, members, leaders and our Wokingham community, for standing up to support the Ukrainian people.”