Page 15 - City Life Magazine - Summer Edition 2023

www.worcester.gov.uk 15

A bullet-damaged
roadsign for Mariupol

Once through the many military
checkpoints they were in a village
where the locals gave them food.

Alex remembers: “We couldn’t buy
food in the shops, but the local people
were so generous and brought us
bread and milk. We hadn’t expected it,
but we were so grateful!” Alex and Valentina have thoroughly enjoyed sightseeing trips

They travelled to Belarus and then in a hotel where they spent two and they have also met another family from
on to Poland. It was while they were a half months. When asked how she Mariupol.
in Poland that they heard about the felt about being housed in a hotel,
Homes for Ukraine scheme in the UK Valentina said: “We have nothing to Alex said: “It’s good to make new
and decided to make an application. complain about, we are safe, we are friends who speak the same language,
warm, we have food and most of all, and it is a treat to be able to talk about
On arrival in Worcester they had to we are together.” shared experiences.
be split between two host families,
Valentina going with the two children TOP OF THE CLASS “It is important that we tell our stories
and Alex with the grandmother. They The couple’s daughter has settled into so that this does not happen again.”
lived as two households for six months. school well and is top of the class in
Chemistry. Their son, who is younger,
Alex said: “The hardest part was found it took longer to process
being apart for six months, but our everything he had been through.
hosts were absolutely amazing, they However, he is now starting to settle
supported us with everything!” down, to make friends and be invited
to parties.
Their hosts gathered support from the
local community to make sure that Alex is still self-employed and has
they all had clothes and basic items many clients. He is continuing to learn
such as tablets, as well as toys for the English and is also preparing to take SUPPORT ON OFFER
children. his driving test. A range of support is offered
to the city’s Ukrainian guests
Alex’s sponsor also helped him with Valentina said: “From the first day of including translation services and
employment. Back in Ukraine he had arrival we have been supported by support with accessing training,
worked in the building trade. Here Worcester City Council. We had help employment, healthcare and
in Worcester he began working as a at all stages of our journey in the UK education.
handyman, doing painting, decorating with all problems we have faced. In
and repairs with his sponsor helping addition to practical assistance, we Various community engagement
him find clients and negotiate prices are very grateful for all community events have been undertaken, both
and details. events and trips, which allow us to see directly for the Ukrainian community
amazing places all over the UK and to and integrating them into existing
The couple have also enjoyed spend time with our countrymen. We events in the city.
attending English classes and are lucky to have such professional and
socialising afterwards, with activities caring people within the Homes for Worcester’s Ukraine guests have
including paddleboarding and Ukraine team to support Ukrainians at enjoyed numerous trips to various
kayaking. such a difficult time.” places to learn about UK history
and culture, as well as to get to
After six months staying with their host Friends that the family travelled over know each other.
families, the family were then housed with are now living in Malvern, and

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