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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Abbie Wightwick

Hundreds of refugees from Ukraine to be housed in an Urdd residential centre

Hundreds of refugees from Ukraine are on their way to Wales and will be put up by the Urdd with the first arriving next weekend. The Welsh Government will act as a super-sponsor under the UK Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme from March 26.

The scheme began matching the first individual sponsors with people fleeing Ukraine last Friday. Initially 250 refugees will be put up by the Welsh language voluntary youth organisation at one of its centres. The location is not being disclosed for security reasons. The mercy mission means some schools have had their Urdd trips cancelled. They have been contacted and the organisation thanked them for giving up their places to help refugees fleeing Putin’s brutal invasion.

The Welsh Government will be funding the scheme with as many as 1,000 refugees to follow the first 250, but the eventual number unclear. Refugees will stay in the welcome centre for around three months before moving to families offering to take them in longer term. The process means refugees can apply to come to Wales without having to be named as needing help by members of the public willing to take them in.

Read more: 'I saw some of their faces in bodybags' UK teen who joined the fight in Ukraine details experience on GMB

The Welsh Government said local councils, the third sector and the NHS have been working closely together to put in place the arrangements and services for Ukrainians fleeing the conflict. Security and health checks will be done at the Urdd centre after refugees arrive. It is understood child refugees will receive education in the welcome centre with help from the Urdd and local eductaion authorities.

Speaking about the unique “Team Wales” approach, Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt said: “Wales is a Nation of Sanctuary. We’re committed to ensuring there is a warm welcome for people fleeing the violence and conflict in Ukraine.

“We have been working very closely with our partners in the third sector, with the Urdd, the Welsh Local Government Association the NHS to ensure the right support is immediately available for people arriving from Ukraine.

Signs of wreckage from bombing in Ukraine (PA)

“Following the success of the partnership approach to the Afghan resettlement scheme, we are proud to once again partner with the Urdd to open one of the first welcome centres in Wales for Ukrainian refugees. This will include the vital wrap-around services people arriving from a war zone need.

“... An enormous amount of work has been undertaken to secure accommodation and support services and to prepare for the scheme to start on 26 March.

“Being a super-sponsor will speed up the process of enabling Ukrainians who want to come to Wales to do so quickly, without the worry of having to demonstrate a link to Wales before arriving.”

Sian Lewis, chief executive of the Urdd said: “The children and people of Ukraine are facing unbearable pain and a threat to their lives. Alongside our partners, we will welcome, support, and offer them a safe refuge full of friendship and love. The Urdd would like to wholeheartedly thank all pupils, schools and groups who have given their place in the Gwersyll to support the refugees in their time of great need.”

The Minister added: “We are committed to doing everything we can to support people fleeing the war in Ukraine and providing sanctuary and safety in Wales.

“I want to pay tribute to colleagues across our all Welsh councils and health boards who are working to ensure services are in place for when the first refugees arrive.

“It shows the genuine “Team Wales” approach and reaffirms our collective commitment to being a Nation of Sanctuary.”

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