Posted on Tuesday 23rd August 2022
A Ukrainian family who has made Staffordshire their temporary home has praised the kindness and generosity of the county.
Anastasiia, her husband Sergii and four children left their home in Kharkiv, one of the areas worst hit by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
They have now made a home in Stafford after finding sponsors through the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.
Already, nearly 650 refugees from Ukraine have made Staffordshire their temporary home under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Officers from Staffordshire County Council and local district and borough councils have been working together over several months to safely welcome Ukrainian families to the county.
Now, on Ukraine Independence Day (August 24) Anastasiia has praised the kindness she has found in her adopted county.
She said:
“It felt like a leap into the unknown to move to the UK three months ago. However, we have not found it hard to adjust to life here because every day we meet great people who do their best to help us get settled. British people are so special – most generous, kind, with big loving hearts. And what they are doing for us, Ukrainians, is incredible! No words are enough to express our gratitude, especially to our sponsors Ellie and Tim who have accepted us as their family.”
Anastasiia and her family have been taking advantage of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme throughout the summer holidays. on offer. The scheme provides access to positive activities and a healthy meal during the school holidays.
She said:
“We are from Kharkiv, one of the most affected areas in Ukraine. Unfortunately, my children have been exposed to war and still need time to recover. However, the summer camp at Blessed William Howard School is doing an amazing job. The kids are so happy with it and always wake up early so they don’t miss it. I’m especially grateful to Steve from Stafford Sports who takes such good care of the children.
“Although we love it here, we are hoping to return to Ukraine some day. Although we've lost everything we had there, I'm not afraid to start from scratch. Good always overcomes evil, and I'm sure soon we'll be able to return to Ukraine and our beloved Kharkiv to help restore it.”
Leader of Staffordshire County Council Alan White said:
“Anastasiia’s story, along with that of her family, is one of immense courage. Across the county we are seeing thousands of people generously opening their homes and hearts to help those who have had no choice but to flee the war in Ukraine. We could not be prouder of the people in our county, and hearing Anastasiia’s story shows just what a difference people in this county are making to those who need their help.”