CONCERNS have been raised that Ukrainian families living in Southampton are at risk of homelessness.

Refugees were housed in Britain under the Government's Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Host families had to sign up for a minimum of six months when it started in March - with fears many refugees could be homeless when that term ends next month.

As a result, many Ukrainian families risk being homeless unless some other form of accommodation is arranged.

It comes as a Ukrainian support group helping refugees settling into Southampton has been meeting with the city council to discuss further support.

Melanie Tudjaroglu, who leads the Southampton Ukrainian support group said: “We are coming to the end of the six-month period that host families committed to and if the hosts don’t extend their guests stay then they could become homeless if no rematching hosts are available.”

Melanie and the group will also be contacting MPs in the hope that more support can be offered from the Government.

READ MORE: Ukrainian family ends up homeless in Southampton

She said: “The next step is to write to our local MPs to see if we can get some support with housing for Ukrainian guests.”

Tory MP for Itchen, Royston Smith, told the Echo the Government needs a strategy as dozens of Ukrainian families risk being homeless.

Mr Smith said: “The Government has been assisting families and sponsors from the beginning, offering £350 per month to cover costs.

“It is concerning that many people can no longer sponsor, and there will need to be a clear plan to assist the families or people if their sponsor cannot continue to offer them accommodation.

“The Government will need a strategy going forward to ensure that where placements end or are terminated alternative provisions can be found. I have taken this up with the minister.”

The council is also working to provide accommodation for Ukrainians leaving host families.

A spokesperson for the council said: “We are liaising with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to support the provision of accommodation for people from Ukraine moving on from sponsorship arrangements.

“We are currently working with sponsors to extend some accommodation to a year, where homes are available, and help guests identify rematching opportunities if needed.”

“Where people are unable to secure accommodation, they will be offered a homelessness assessment and provided with advice and information on their housing options.”

Factors such as language and cultural barriers as well as the rise in the cost of living have made it increasingly difficult for British families to accommodate their Ukrainian counterparts for long periods of time.

As reported, a family of four were left living in a hostel after arriving in Southampton when they became homeless.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News