A CREDITON group is looking for 10 new families to host Ukrainian refugees.

Crediton is already home to about 40 refugee families, including several from Ukraine.

Jennie Ford is the organiser of the Conversation Café run at Crediton Congregational Church.

The Cafe allows residents and refugees to catch-up and connect.

Ms Ford and the Ukrainian refugee living at her home have created a leaflet, which has been distributed to thousands of households, in a bid to attract more hosts.

Ms Ford said hosting was "much more straightforward than it was 18 months ago when we started this journey".

Tamara holding pictures of her Ukrainian home near Kiev, which was destroyed by Russian bombing.  AQ 0122
Tamara holding pictures of her Ukrainian home near Kiev, which was destroyed by Russian bombing. AQ 0122 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

She said: "We want to remind people that people (from Ukraine) are still wanting to come and we hope our leaflet will help with that."

Anyone who has a room or rooms and could host a refugee is asked to get in touch.

Financial incentives are offered to those who can host.

The support scheme for hosts is administered for Mid Devon District Council by CHAT (Churches Housing Action Team), who are based in Tiverton. For any information connected with hosting please contact: [email protected] .

The government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/homes-for-ukraine-sponsor-guides offers helpful guidance on things to consider before deciding to become a host, basic accommodation requirements, making contact with the potential guest prior to agreeing to host them, setting expectations about how the guest and host will live in the same space, and practical advice on various aspects connected with becoming a host.

If you have unwanted good quality items you can donate, please email: [email protected] .

You can telephone Crediton for Ukraine on 01363 773159 or visit at Crediton Congregational church on any Monday between 4pm and 6pm to meet hosts and refugees in an informal setting.