Posted on Monday 20th February 2023
County Cllr Victoria Wilson
Stafford’s historic Shire Hall will be showing solidarity with the people of Ukraine on 24 February by lighting up in blue and yellow.
The Ukrainian flag will also be flown from the building throughout the day, which marks a year since the Russian invasion of the country.
This symbolic gesture shows support for the people of Ukraine, especially the almost 900 Ukrainians who have made Staffordshire their home since the start of the conflict.
600 of these remain in the county, with nearly 150 moving the private accommodation, around 100 returning to Ukraine.
The Homes for Ukraine scheme, which is being administered by Staffordshire County Council alongside district and borough councils, health, education and the voluntary sector, has seen nearly 500 Staffordshire residents give accommodation to families from the war-torn country.
The county council has also set up a dedicated resettlement team that will work directly with sponsors and guests on the Homes for Ukraine programme, as well resettlement more broadly.
Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Communities Victoria Wilson said:
“It’s important that we stand together with those affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. By raising the Ukrainian flag and lighting up the Shire Hall in blue and yellow, we are sending a clear message of support, especially to those Ukrainians who have chosen to make our county their home in the past year.
“We hope that this gesture will show that the people of Staffordshire are thinking of our Ukrainian friends and are committed to standing with them."