Phase One of the government's 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme is now open, enabling Ukrainian refugees who have a named sponsor in the UK to start the visa application process.
This requires UK hosts who are able to offer accommodation for a minimum of 6 months to 'match' with individuals or families fleeing Ukraine. The government has advised hosts against 'matching' via informal channels, such as social media, and to register via platforms set up by NGOs or charities. If you are interested in hosting, but you haven't done so already, you can:

1) Think about whether hosting is for you and if you are truly able to offer the accommodation, time and thought required to successfully sponsor someone, as this represents a significant commitment. City of Sanctuary has put together a useful list of things to consider before applying to sponsor a refugee: https://cityofsanctuary.org/.../things-to-consider.../
2) Register your interest on the Homes for Ukraine government portal to receive further updates and information: https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk/
3) Apply to be 'matched' using the Reset Communities and Refugees host form: https://www.homesforukraine.org.uk/
4) Familiarise yourself with the visa application process that has to be completed in order for Ukrainian nationals to come to the UK through the Homes for Ukraine scheme - this can be completed by either the host sponsor or the Ukrainian applicant: https://www.gov.uk/.../apply-for-a-visa-under-the-ukraine...
5) Read the Homes for Ukraine scheme guidance for local councils to understand what hosts can expect in terms of support from Cornwall Council: https://www.gov.uk/.../homes-for-ukraine-guidance-for...

UKRAINE - HOW CAN WE HELP? 
We have had a number of people contacting us asking what they can do to help people affected by the war in Ukraine - here's how you can help:

DONATE MONEY 
Donating directly to trusted groups operating in the region is the quickest and most effective way to offer support. The following organisations are actively working in the region:

• #HelpUkraine Emergency Appeal: https://www.gofundme.com/f/helpukraine
• DEC: https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal
• International Rescue Committee: https://www.rescue-uk.org/
• Red Cross: https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal
• UNHCR: https://donate.unrefugees.org.uk/ukraine.../~my-donation

OFFER ACCOMMODATION 
It is still not clear how any proposed UK government humanitarian scheme for Ukrainian refugees will work, but offers of a room or self-contained accommodation for refugees and asylum seekers can be made through national organisations:

•  Refugees at Home: https://www.refugeesathome.org/
•  Room for Refugees: https://www.roomforrefugees.com/

Cornwall Council is also looking for people who are interested in providing supported lodgings for unaccompanied asylum seeking children aged 16-17 years: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/.../could-you-provide-a-home.../

CALL FOR SAFE PASSAGE 
The Home Office has published this factsheet with information for Ukrainians both in the UK and leaving Ukraine, however many national refugee organisations are calling on the government to do more, such as waiving visa requirements for Ukrainians in line with action already taken by other European countries.

•  Sign the petition: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/609530
•  Contact your local MP: https://www.parliament.uk/.../contact-an.../contact-your-mp/