Moving to Bedford Borough - information and support
Bedford Borough Council is working in partnership with PBIC to help and support Ukrainian guests and Homes for Ukraine sponsors in Bedford Borough.
Please see the PBIC website for further details and how to access its support.
You can also get advice from GOV.UK on moving to the UK if you’re coming from Ukraine (in English and Ukrainian)
If you have arrived in Bedford Borough and have nowhere to live please contact our Housing Team on 01234 718008 or email ukrainesupport@bedford.gov.uk
Once you have found somewhere to live this welcome pack for Ukrainians arriving in the UK covers what you need to know in your first few days, getting used to life in the UK including how to access healthcare, childcare, education services, and how to find work.
You can also read Bedford Borough’s Welcome Pack (PDF).
See also this information from British Red Cross which explains your rights and gives information on services you can access.
UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals and eVisa
Anyone who uses a physical immigration document, like a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), to prove their immigration status and who doesn’t already have a UKVI account, will need to act now to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa.
See more information on our Online immigration status (eVisa) webpage and Get access to your online immigration status (eVisa) - GOV.UK.
More help and support
- Ukrainian Embassy
- Barnado’s Ukrainian Support Helpline
- National Rail's Ukrainian Displaced Persons Travel Scheme
- Understanding Universal Credit and Apply for Universal Credit (benefits available)
- RBS, Natwest and Santander (opening a UK bank account)
- Translated health information in Ukrainian and Russian about understanding the NHS
Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme
On 18 February 2024, the UK government announced the launch of the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme.
If you’re a Ukrainian national, or the family member of a Ukrainian national, and are living in the UK with existing permission on one of the Ukraine schemes, you may be eligible to apply for UPE to continue living in the UK for up to a further 18 months.
It is free to apply.
Go to GOV.UK to find out more about the eligibility and to make your application to the UPE scheme.
It is important you know the date when your current visa permission will end so that you can apply to the UPE scheme in time. If you are unsure when your current visa permission ends, you can sign into your UKVI account to find out. We recommend checking each person because the date may be different for any children in your group.
You should only apply to the UPE scheme when your current visa permission expires in 28 days or less. You must apply before your current visa permission expires.
You must remain in the UK throughout the application process. If you leave before a decision is made, your application will be withdrawn.
After you have applied, please email HFUData@bedford.gov.uk to let us know the date you applied. This is so we can continue to pay the host 'Thank you' payments if applicable.
Once your permission has been granted you will then need to send us a share code confirming this.
Help with your application
If you need any help with applying for the UPE scheme, please contact PBIC on 01234 328100 / info@pbic.org.uk.
PBIC can support you through the process. They have a drop in session Fridays 9.30-11.30am or you can call and make an appointment.
Translations and interpreters
Ukrainian to English language support - including translations of key documents needed for visa applications - is available from Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI).
How to make a donation
You can donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.