7. Statement by the Minister for Social Justice: Update on Ukraine

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:03 pm on 27 September 2022.

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Photo of Huw Irranca-Davies Huw Irranca-Davies Labour 5:03, 27 September 2022

Minister, I welcome this update on Ukraine, as, indeed, I welcome the continuing commitment of the people of Wales and the Welsh Government to be a nation of sanctuary in actions as well as words for refugees and those fleeing conflict. Part of the way forward, as you've described this afternoon, is now finding many, many more hosts to open their homes so that we can move beyond the necessary, but initial, welcome-centre approach, and that's where I have a suggestion. Minister, you may be aware of the many informal groups across Wales, like Safe Haven Maesteg and the Bridgend Ukrainian support group, who've set up not only places to meet and to exchange information for Ukrainian families fleeing war and persecution, and for host families, but also to provide direct help and support too, with clothing, furniture, bikes, days out, English lessons and much more. In fact, the Counsel General, Mick Antoniw, visited with us the Maesteg support group only in the last couple of weeks, and I think you enjoyed your time there, as they enjoyed your visit as well and really appreciated it.

Now, I think that the host families involved in these groups would be a valuable resource, first-hand experience, for the Minister and her officials on what's worked well in becoming a host, what's been more tricky and how to encourage others to come forward as much-needed new hosts. These groups may also be a really good ally in spreading the message to others and helping support others on their journey to being a host. So, Minister, if you or your officials have any time and would like to come to meet the groups in Bridgend and Maesteg to sit down with them to discuss, both with the Ukrainians who are being hosted and also with the host families, what has worked, what's been difficult, so that we can encourage many, many more hosts to come forward. It's been heartwarming to see the response in Wales, but we now need that to be even larger and help people with the challenges they have in becoming host families, and make it easier for them.