Challenge (Before)
A family of four — three adults and one child — arrived in the UK from Ukraine in April 2022. They had been in the country for five months when DPIA staff first met them. While their host had supported the family well with school enrolment, GP registration, and Universal Credit, the adults faced significant barriers to employment due to limited English language skills, leaving them financially insecure and anxious about their long-term independence.
The host accommodation was later deemed unsuitable by the local authority, requiring the family to move into social housing — creating further challenges including managing bills, accessing services independently, and ensuring continuity of education and healthcare.
Intervention (Action)
DPIA staff provided targeted employment and resettlement support. Using an established network of local employers willing to recruit Ukrainian nationals with little or no English, staff quickly arranged job interviews for two of the adults. Both secured permanent employment within a week, earning above minimum wage.
When the family were relocated to social housing, DPIA supported the resettlement process by assisting with the house move, setting up utilities and bill payments, registering with a GP, and arranging transportation for the child to attend school.
DPIA maintained regular monthly visits to monitor wellbeing and progress. During the fourth visit, one adult disclosed they had resigned from their job and were experiencing financial hardship. DPIA again utilised their employer network to secure an interview, resulting in the service user starting a new role the following week — with a flexible shift pattern enabling regular attendance at ESOL classes.
Results (After)
Two adults secured permanent employment within one week of DPIA engagement. The family successfully transitioned from host accommodation to stable social housing, and financial stability was restored following the re-employment of the third adult. The new employment arrangement enabled improved access to ESOL classes, increasing long-term independence. The family demonstrated increased confidence in managing housing, employment, and services independently.
