Written question WQ85621

We support and fund local authorities across Wales to provide a range of wrap-around support services to help Ukrainians restart their lives in Wales. Welcome centres are operated in close collaboration with local government, health boards, charities and other partners, working together to create places of sanctuary.

In the welcome centres, everyone receives help and support to enable them settle into life in Wales. A welcome pack with documentation in English, also translated into Ukrainian and Russian is provided, which includes information about the welcome centre site and other useful information and signposting. Each welcome centre facilitates a meeting with DWP, for people to apply for Universal Credit and an emergency cash payment of £200 to buy basic essentials until their claim comes through. Translation services are available for people who do not speak English via language line and sometimes in person.

There are opportunities to start learning English and to access NHS services, including mental health services. We are working closely with health boards to ensure people have access to the support and screening they require. Children have access to education either on site or nearby, with less formal summer-school type activities available during the school holidays. There are cultural orientation sessions to help people adjust to living in Wales and help and support is available about finding employment, with partners such as Careers Wales.

Local authorities are also supporting welcome centre residents to move-on into more long-term accommodation.