A service within Hertfordshire County Council has received official recognition from the International Charitable Foundation SOTA, for the humanitarian assistance they have provided.

Hertfordshire Equipment Service (HES) have been donating equipment for the last 12 months to help those impacted by the conflict in Ukraine. Items have included beds, mattresses, hoists, walking and toileting equipment.

Gareth Sartin, Head of Service (HES) said: "We are delighted to be able to make a difference to people in need. These items of equipment are no longer in use for Hertfordshire residents, but have been serviced to a high standard and repurposed for use in Ukraine.

"To receive this recognition from SOTA Help is the icing on the cake and very humbling. We just wanted to do our bit to help support Ukrainians and we are very glad to have been able to do so.

"The hospital where the equipment went have expressed their gratitude and these supplies have significantly helped to equip two to three intensive care units in Eastern Ukraine."

The official recognition came in the form of a framed certificate from the International Charitable Foundation SOTA.

HES continue with their efforts, particularly focussing on children's items, which are greatly needed in orphanages and for SEND children. They are planning another shipment in July.

Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) is also home to the Homes for Ukraine team in the county, who support Ukrainian guests and hosts, particularly under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Under the scheme 476 Ukrainian guests are currently being hosted by 272 resident hosts, with over 1,000 guests now supported into privately-rented accommodation.

We have supported over 2,700 guests during the conflict and 1,110 resident hosts – one of the highest in the region. This has included enabling over 500 children to continue their education in our schools.

Scott Crudgington, Deputy Chief Executive, Executive Director (Resources) and Chair of the Hertfordshire Strategic Migration Board, said:

"The support effort, both at home and abroad, for Ukraine is nothing short of phenomenal. Our staff and teams collectively work tirelessly to enable Ukrainians in Hertfordshire to settle and flourish, whilst also being mindful of the war effort abroad and where we can support there.

"Moreover, so many of our residents have also joined the effort – whether that is by hosting a Ukrainian individual or family, or running learning and support groups to help make a difference.

"I had the privilege earlier in the year of recognising two of our Ukraine heroes at the Heart Hertfordshire Radio Hero Awards – Pierre Bosdet and Viktoriia Myronova – for their inspiring and outstanding work through Chorleywood Aid for Ukraine and more. But I am sure they are just the tip of the iceberg.

"For all the support and good work going on to support Ukrainians in the county – I salute you and want to give a heartfelt thank you. You make a daily difference."

HCC are always looking for new Homes for Ukraine rematch hosts to make a daily difference, who enable Ukrainians to stay where they have established jobs, schools and friendship networks.

Anyone interested can contact the HCC team for more information.

The county council commission a variety of community-based support services tailored to meet the needs of both Ukrainians. This includes:

• The Hospital Community Navigation Service (HCNS) Ukraine Support service, which provides holistic support delivered by Ukrainian and Russian speakers to Ukrainians throughout their entire journey, from arrival in the UK to support moving on to live independently.
• The Flourish service, which provides mental health and wellbeing support to both Ukrainian guests and their hosts, delivered by Hertfordshire Mind Network.
• A dedicated helpline for housing and employment advice, delivered by Citizens Advice.
• A countywide Immigration Advice Service, also delivered by Citizens Advice.
• A coaching programme for Ukrainians as a route to physical activity and a potential career, delivered by Hertfordshire Sports Partnership.

They also provide ongoing information and advice to our guests and hosts through a variety of platforms, including:

• A dedicated website for Ukrainians, giving them information on life in Hertfordshire, which is continually revised and updated to give the most recent information. This can be found at: Ukraine support in Hertfordshire.
• Regular direct email and e-newsletter updates around changes from central government, events taking place and support available.
• We have run many webinars and courses to give advice on topics such as building positive relationships between guests and hosts, employment, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), housing and benefits, healthcare in the UK, accessing education, cyber-crime, fraud and modern slavery.
• Where hosting arrangements end, our Homes for Ukraine Rematch Team will work with local housing teams to ensure that no Ukrainian faces homelessness.