Sidmouth: District council 'in real need' of host families for Ukraine refugees

East Devon District Council is seeking host families for refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.

It has said that it is "in real need" of host families in Exmouth, Cranbrook and Honiton, especially those willing to have pets (in particular, cats).

As many as 244 Ukrainians are currently living in East Devon, "one of the highest numbers of Ukrainian guests in any area in the country" according to the local authority.

There is reportedly a need for people who can take refugees already living here but need to find a new host after their initial six months.

Cllr Paul Arnott, East Devon District Council's (EDDC) leader, said: "We hope that all our Ukrainian guests are settling into East Devon well, and are proud that so many of East Devon's householders are welcoming them with open arms.

"The scheme is not without its challenges. Including the fact that at the moment due to the lack of an exit strategy from government, we will end up with more Ukrainian guests in emergency accommodation.

"We are communicating with our local MP and with other leaders from throughout Devon to urge government to take action on this and other issues with the scheme."

Dean Stewart, CEO of Citizens Advice East Devon said: "It has been a tremendous honour to be part of EDDC's response to this awful human tragedy.

"We are visiting each household and hearing not just the terrible stories of how people arrived here from Ukraine, but also stories of kindness and generosity that they have experienced."

Click here to find out how to become a sponsor as part of the government's Homes for Ukraine scheme.