Hosts in Wales have welcomed the increase in financial support from the Welsh Government – but say they need more practical help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Welsh government announced in its budget that hosts will receive more money, with monthly payments increasing from \u00a3350 to \u00a3500 in April.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But hosts often help their refugees with complicated paperwork, such as visa applications or finding alternative housing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
6,500 Ukrainians have moved to Wales since the Russian invasion. Eifion Weinzeig houses a Ukrainian family in Bridgend. He says that the council hasn\u2019t done anything to help hosts with practical difficulties and believes there should be more support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018We\u2019ve done everything we can to help them. We are asked by the family all the time – how do I get an MOT? How do I register my vehicle to be in the UK? \u2013 I haven\u2019t a clue! But I\u2019ll go and find out and get it done\u2019, Eifion said, \u2018We haven\u2019t had anything. We\u2019ve just been left alone.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eifion volunteers with the South Wales Sponsorship for Ukraine, a support group that have housed around 1,200 refugees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sarah Shuffell also volunteers with the group and helps to match refugees with the right home. She says the increase will be a good incentive to get people to volunteer as hosts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018It’s needed and for some people that can make a real difference,’ she said. ‘I do think it\u2019s important and they probably strategically upped the payment a bit to encourage people to host for longer.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Juliet Grover has been hosting a family of four since August. She agrees that being a host is expensive and welcomes the financial support but says it isn’t enough. The administrative support she has given to the family has caused a lot of stress and believes that advice should be more readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Its hard, its really really hard and daunting\u2019 Juliet said. \u2018You feel like you\u2019re being a support but there is nobody to support you so it is very difficult\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Welsh government is unable to comment further at this stage – but said in a statement it \u2018recognises the enormity of hosts\u2019 huge contribution as well as the impact the unprecedented cost of living crisis is having\u2019 . <\/p>\n\n\n\n