A campaign has been launched in South Cambs urging more families to sign up as hosts for Ukrainian refugees.

The Homes for Ukraine scheme allows UK residents to host guests, often women and children, who have fled the war in Ukraine.

Under the programme, hosts sign up to provide a home for a minimum of six months, with 740 people housed in South Cambs so far.

However around 20 per cent of current hosts are not able to continue past the six month point, and guests staying with them would benefit from alternative accommodation locally so they can maintain their newfound friendships and community connections.

Both South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridge City Council have now launched a joint campaign to recruit extra hosts.

Anyone who can offer a spare room is asked to text ROOM to 88802 so the councils can support them through the process and match hosts to guests who have already started to settle in the community.

Hosts receive comprehensive support from the council, along with a monthly £350 Government 'thank you' payment. 

Both councils are offering extra opt-in monthly payments to hosts of £150, in response to feedback about the rising cost of living, particularly during winter.