This page provides information on where you might find support; the page is updated regularly – please keep checking if you don’t find what you are looking for.
Resettlement and Migration Support, including the Homes for Ukraine Programme
UK individuals, charities, community groups and businesses have been supporting Ukrainians fleeing the war through the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Here in Teignbridge, CVS are coordinating the support for guests and hosts who are part of this programme. This is provided by two dedicated CVS support workers, a dedicated Citizens Advice support worker and a number of support groups throughout the district.
Support Groups & Events 
Teignbridge-wide Drop-in Support and Advice Session – Every Tuesday, 1pm – 4pm at the Courtenay Centre, Kingsteignton Road, Newton Abbot TQ12 2QA.
CVS Resettlement and Migration Support Team (Jane Weir and Ali Evans) and Citizens Advice Homes for Ukraine support (Abbey Reid) will be on hand to answer questions and give advice to Hosts and Guests. We can also request the Teignbridge District Council Refugee Casework and Resettlement Officer to attend to offer advice and support when required. Volunteer translators will be available too.
A number of support groups have been set-up around the district and funded through the Homes for Ukraine programme. They provide a chance to network with others on resettlement programmes, to learn what more is going on and available and offer information and support. Please contact them or call in to meet others and find answers to your questions!
Newton Abbot
Monthly Ukrainian Meet Up
Location – The Courtenay Centre, Kingsteignton Road, Newton Abbot TQ12 2QA
Time – 12pm to 3pm, on the first Saturday of the month. However, the next one is on Saturday 24th August, to tie in with the Ukrainian Independence Day Celebration (see item above and poster attached).
A chance to meet for a chat and share a lunch – please bring something to share if you can.
For more information, contact Emily Farrell: manager@newtonabbotcic.org.uk
Other meetings for young families in Newton Abbot…
Weekly (term-time) Morning Playgroup for Parents
Location – The Courtenay Centre, Kingsteignton Road, Newton Abbot TQ12 2QA
Time – 10am to 12pm every Friday (term-time only)
Come to the Courtenay Centre for a community playgroup for toddlers and parents, free of charge. It’s a chance to chat with others (including Ukrainian parents) and have a cup of tea or coffee.
For more information about this and details of other meetings and events contact Emily Farrell: manager@newtonabbotcic.org.uk
Dawlish
Monthly Informal Bring and Share
Location – The Riverside Centre (next to the Manor House), Old Town Street, Dawlish EX7 9AP
Time – 6pm to 9pm, monthly on a Saturday.
Meeting dates are: 31st August and 28th September.
An evening for Ukrainian guests. Light refreshments provided but bring a dish to share if you can.
Parking available.
For more information contact Rosie: admin@rootscommunityenhancement.org
Information about this and other events on Helping Dawlish: https://helpingdawlish.co.uk/information-for-ukrainian-guests-and-hosts/
Exminster
Social drop-ins – none currently arranged
We have some EAL (English as an Additional Language) classes and craft nights.
Please contact info@connectexminster.co.uk if you would like to find out about dates and details of these events, what else is happening in Exminster and want to meet other Ukrainians in the community.
We have Exminster Hosts and Exminster Ukrainian What’s app groups that you are welcome to join; please contact: Maryna Vasylynenko, marina.vasilinenko@gmail.com, Tel: 07391 427085 for further information
Teignmouth
For general information and details of meetings and events in Teignmouth area please contact:
Julia Street: 01626 771695 or email info@volunteeringinhealth.co.uk
David Leyland: WhatsApp 07815 721753 or email: davidleyland@hotmail.com
Chudleigh
Ukrainian Meet Up
*NO MEETINGS IN JULY AND AUGUST – MEETINGS RESUME IN SEPTEMBER*
Location – Chudleigh Town Hall, Market Way, Chudleigh, Newton Abbot TQ13 0HL
Time – 5pm to 7pm, fortnightly on Saturday.
A chance to meet for a chat and share a lunch – please bring something to share if you can.
For more information, contact Halyna Hrishyna: email: gallagrishina@ukr.net tel: 07493 023284 (WhatsApp).
Support & Advice
CVS Resettlement and Migration Support Team
General Advice and Support – We have a dedicated email address and phone number for the Homes for Ukraine Programme wrap around support; this is available for Hosts and Guests
You can contact us: cvsteignbridge@gmail.com Jane – 07918 205356
- If you would like 1:1 support with training, employment and/or work skills
- If you would like information about English classes
please contact ali@teigncvs.org.uk Mobile: 07776 845030
Citizens Advice Homes for Ukraine Support Worker
Citizens Advice Teignbridge
Teignbridge Citizens Advice Ukraine Referral Form:
English and Ukrainian (Українська): Please click here
Phone – 01626 326121.
Email – ukr@citizensadviceteignbridge.org.uk
Arrival administration
CLICK HERE for information on what needs to be done in the first few weeks after guests have arrived
Learning English
There are a number of activities to support Guests in learning English; some of these are more formal, some are conversational.
Please CLICK HERE for more information about classes in your area.
Support for Families
Home-Start Teignbridge 
has offered support, friendship and practical assistance to local families (usually with young children 5yrs and younger) for over 30 years. We respect the dignity, identity and beliefs of each individual, reassuring parents that difficulties bringing up children are not unusual and encouraging enjoyment in family life.
Our trained volunteers work with individual families to encourage parents’ strengths and emotional well-being for the ultimate benefit of their children. These volunteers also encourage families to widen their network of relationships and to use effectively the support and services available within the community.
We also run a small family group at Abbotsbury Church in Newton Abbot, term times only, last session 17th July, starts again 11th September. Additionally, we run a group for parents with young children that meets at Stover park on Tuesday mornings from 10 – 12. Please book for either of these details below:
If you would like more information or to talk about your support, please contact: Denise Ratcliffe at office@homestart-teignbridge.org.uk or call or text 07837 946069.
For more information about Home start Teignbridge click Here
Ukrainian Support helpline
The support offered includes therapy with a qualified psychotherapist, advice on a range of issues including employment and accessing health services, and practical support such as providing toys and digital devices.
Find out more Here. from Barnardo’s
Cost of Living
Please follow the link if you need financial advice and help during the Cost-of-Living Crisis:
Cost of living leaflet in Ukrainian Cost of living leaflet English
You can find more Cost Of Living Support around Teignbridge HERE
Housing
General Information
Opora have some useful Rental information Here
Teignbridge Migrant and Refugee Housing Support
Teignbridge CVS have been working on a number of leaflets to help support families and individuals moving into temporary accommodation or who are new to the area and may need some support.
You can find the leaflet for the Newton Abbot Area HERE
You can find the leaflet for Dawlish HERE
For Support with Food
Click Here for support with food
What can I claim when I have a child?
If you have had a baby or you are responsible for children, it can be confusing to work out what you are entitled to. Lots of people assume that they aren’t eligible for benefits or that it isn’t worth claiming, but you could be missing out on financial support.
Sure Start Maternity Grant
If you have recently had your first baby or adopted a child and don’t have other children under 16, you may be able to claim a Sure Start Maternity Grant if you are on Universal Credit. https://www.gov.uk/sure-start-maternity-grant
Healthy Start
You may be entitled to the Healthy Start scheme if you are on Universal Credit. This can help with the costs of certain items, including fruit, vegetables, milk, and infant formula. https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/
Help with health costs
You may be eligible for help with health costs, such as prescriptions, glasses and dental treatment if you are on a low income or Universal Credit. https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-help-health-costs
Free school meals
You may qualify for free school meals if you’re on benefits, including Universal Credit.
School Milk Scheme
All Primary Schools in England offer lower fat milk during school hours to all children who want it. School milk is free for all under 5’s and is subsidised for pupils aged five or older.
Children who are registered for free school meals (not UIFSM) are entitled to free milk – please check with your child’s school.
Free school meals holiday voucher scheme
The free school meals holiday voucher scheme is way of providing funds to ensure families of children who are eligible for free school meals during term time are able to purchase food over the holidays to replace the meals a child would have received during a school day.
Help with School Uniform Costs
Your child’s school may provide low-cost second-hand uniforms or help towards the cost of school uniform; please ask at your child’s school reception.
16 to 19 education: financial support for students
Young people may be able to access financial support to help them participate in education and training. https://www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund