The UK and its allies condemn the Russian government’s unprovoked and premeditated invasion of Ukraine and Salford stands with Ukraine.
This page is a quick guide to the humanitarian schemes and local services available to Ukrainians and residents who want to support those affected by the invasion.
Quick links
For residents
If you’re a Salford resident and want to support Ukrainians affected by the invasion, then, find out more information on ways you can help.
Homes for Ukraine
You can offer a place in your home to people fleeing the conflict through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, with financial support available. More than 150,000 individuals and organisations have registered their interest in the scheme so far.
Information about sponsor responsibilities and how sponsors may support their guests can be found on the GOV.UK website. This guide by Reset UK may help you understand more about the programme. Here are some frequently asked questions about the scheme.
Once your application is complete, sponsors will be contacted directly by Salford City Council to arrange a home and DBS check.
You can submit your interest in hosting at the GOV.UK website.
Find out more about the Homes for Ukraine scheme
Donate safely
One of the best ways to help is by donating through trusted charities and aid organisations, rather than donating goods. You can help by donating money to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Appeal, or other trusted organisations providing humanitarian relief. By donating, you'll help DEC charities provide food, water, shelter and healthcare to refugees and displaced families.
Donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal
Social media - staying safe online
The UK Government, Ukrainian Government and others have been sharing messages of support on social media using the hashtag #StandForUkraine
Take care what you share! There is a lot of false information about the conflict circulating online – this is often called misinformation and disinformation. You can do your part to stop the spread:
- Ask yourself – does this look right? Does this sound right? Does this information come from a source I recognise?
- The SHARE checklist can help you decide if information can be trusted, before you interact with or share it on your social media channels
For Ukrainians
UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals (Ukraine Family Scheme)
Ukrainian nationals and their family members can find safety in the UK. The Ukraine Family Scheme allows applicants to join their family members in the UK.
Find out more about the Ukraine Family Scheme
Information for Ukrainian guests arriving in Salford
We know you will have lots of questions when you arrive in the UK.
The following guides provide specific information to help you have a safe and comfortable experience as you settle into your life in Salford.
They include how to access health care, register for schools or childcare and find work as well as links to other essential support and public services.
Health care
Schools and early years
- English version: Schools and early years
- Ukrainian version: Schools and early years
- Russian version: Schools and early years
Work, benefits and money
- English version: Work, benefits and money
- Ukrainian version: Work, benefits and money
- Russian version: Work, benefits and money
A national guide for those arriving on the Homes for Ukraine scheme can also be found at GOV.UK.
Travelling in Salford and Greater Manchester
Transport operators in Greater Manchester are working together to support Ukrainian arrivals by offering them free onward travel to their final destinations in the UK.
All Ukrainian nationals will be able to access free travel on Metrolink, all National Rail services and most bus and coach services in the city-region for up to 48 hours after arriving in the UK.
People will need to show their Ukrainian passport and a boarding pass or ticket to be eligible for the scheme, which remains in place from their first arrival to their chosen destination within two days.
For more information about National Rail services, visit National Rail enquiries.
Information is available from Transport for Greater Manchester on the different travel options available to you.
Digital support for refugees
We’re offering digital support to people in need via The National Databank run by Good Things Foundation. This is like a ‘food bank’ but for internet connectivity data. It means refugees can have a free SIM card and mobile data with unlimited calls and unlimited texts messages for six months which can be extended to 12 months if still required. To find out more, call our Spirit of Salford Helpline on 0800 952 1000 or by drop into one of our Gateway centres which are located in Swinton, Pendleton, Walkden, Eccles and Broughton.