SUPPORT for Ukrainian evacuees fleeing their war-torn country is being offered by Ilkley residents.

Volunteers have formed ISSUE (Ilkley and Surrounds Support for Ukrainian Evacuees) with the aim of establishing communication channels, sharing accurate information and supporting those offering to host evacuees and people offering help in Ilkley and neighbouring villages.

The group has small working groups focusing on welcoming evacuees, support for hosts and communications.

ISSUE currently has a Facebook group with nearly 400 members which offers people the chance to ask questions, connect with hosts and offer support. A website will soon be launched which will include accurate and up to date information as well as offering hosts and their Ukrainian guests, ways to make contact, link up with others locally and access resources.

The newly formed community group is also planning an event for hosts in the locality, to meet up in person and an information and support session for anyone considering helping.

A spokesperson for the group said: “We have been overwhelmed by people offering their homes, useful items, skills, time and friendship. Our group is building a database of all these kind offers, so that we can put people in touch as and when they are needed.”

The group is supporting the “Homes for Ukraine” scheme, by which people can sponsor those fleeing war-torn Ukraine.

Any financial donations should be made to the DEC (Disasters Emergencies Committee) fund or other recognised charities working locally including Rotary and Bradford Ukrainian Centre (Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain) rather than directly to the group.

For any further information or to offer help, visit ISSUE’s Facebook page.

Caroline Hyde, of Ilkley and Surrounds Support for Ukrainian Evacuees (ISSUE) added: “We have been contacted by at least 20 individuals/families who are in the visa application process – and I know of a small number of people that have already arrived, plus more that have come by the family visa route.

“The ISSUE group arose from a meeting hosted by Ilkley Community Network and we have access and offers of support from all their members. We are working with Bradford Council, Ilkley town councillors and Robbie Moore MP. We have been linking up with Cities of Sanctuary (the Ripon group is active and helpful) as well as a similar FB-based group in Silsden and Skipton.

“Community Action Bradford, Rotary and Churches together in Ilkley have been very supportive and All Saints Church are organising a weekly drop in coffee morning for any Ukrainians to offer support, play the for small children and a chance to meet up and chat.

“The Clarke Foley and Ilkley BID have helped with meeting space – the list goes on.

“The idea is to link up so much of the good work already done in Ilkley by existing groups and share their expertise as well as ideas from individuals and build links with the ‘official channels’ to make things as easy as possible for the people living in Ilkley.”