Ukrainian Hosts and Supporters to be Celebrated with New Award

Hosts and supporters of the county’s Ukrainian guests are to be celebrated and honoured through a Heart Radio Hertfordshire Heroes Award.

Over a thousand residents have stepped forward to host Ukrainian families since the Russian Invasion of Ukraine in 2022. And countless more have given their time to support hosts and guests through community groups, events or just being that listening ear.

Councillor Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, said: ‘Our army of Ukraine supporters across Hertfordshire have opened their hearts and their homes to those fleeing war back home. Many have been helping from the very start of the conflict and others are Ukrainian guests themselves.

‘They really are our humanitarian heroes and, without whose selfless efforts, the sheer amount of support we have been able to give as a county would not be possible.

‘This award, in partnership with Heart Hertfordshire Radio, is an excellent opportunity to recognise that work, say a big thank you, and inspire our hosts and supporters of the future. If you know of a Hertfordshire Ukraine hero, please nominate them for the Ukraine Support Award – we look forward to hearing your inspiring stories.’

We currently have 427 sponsors in Hertfordshire, hosting 771 Ukrainian guests. This is alongside more than 30 volunteer-led groups offering support to Ukrainian refugees who have been welcomed into Hertfordshire since the full-scale invasion.

This year the Ukraine Support Award will join nine other categories in the annual event, where winners will be announced at an awards evening on 16 February. The awards provide residents with an opportunity to celebrate those who really make a difference in the county. Nominations are free, opened this month and will close at midnight on 26 November.

Debbie Chadwick, Station Director, Heart Hertfordshire said: ‘This is our sixth year of Heart’s Heroes here in Hertfordshire and what a privilege it is to connect with our Heroes from across this great county.

‘Their stories are always thought-provoking and often humbling, but what strikes me is the resilience and passion for life that people have often under some truly difficult circumstances.’

The Homes for Ukraine Team at Hertfordshire County Council are always on the look-out for new hosts in the county. As the war continues, some hosts can’t continue to host their guests. Becoming a host enables Ukrainian guests who are already here to stay where they have settled in schools, jobs and into communities, with support networks. You only need a spare room.

In September, in recognition of increases in the cost of living, payments to hosts were increased by £50 a month, per person, in addition to the existing £350/£500* a month. There is also a further temporary increase to cover extra winter costs, from October until March.

To find out more about the awards and nominate a person or group, go to The Heart Hertfordshire Hero Awards are back for 2024.

For further information about how you can become a host, please visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/hertsukrainehost.

*Existing amount is dependent on how long the Ukrainian guest(s) has been here. Those hosting guests who have been here 12 months or more will be entitled to the £500 monthly payment.