A Ukrainian family who were forced to flee their war-torn country and found refuge in Medway have thanked residents for their kindness.
Volodymyr, 68, who was the director of a regional orphanage for children in Ukraine, and a former Mayor of Ternopil, was left with no choice but to find safety in another country for his family.
With little time to safely escape, he joined his wife, daughter-in-law and her two children on the journey to the UK in search of his daughter who has lived and worked in England for more than 20 years. With barely any personal items with them, they arrived in the UK in May 2022.
The family, who now live in Gillingham, have settled into the community and volunteer with Gillingham Street Angels to help others in need.
Thank you for your kindness and compassion
Volodymyr’s daughter, Iryna, said: “Thank you so much to everyone who has shown not only my family, but all Ukrainians who have had to leave their homes behind, such kindness and compassion. My family is extremely grateful and enjoy being in Medway, with lots of beautiful places to see. My dad is now volunteering with a local charity to do all he can to thank the local community and help others.”
More than 600 households across Medway have expressed an interest as part of the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme and continue to be matched with refugees fleeing their home country. Since April 2022 Medway has welcomed 224 Ukrainians, through the government’s Homes for Ukraine Scheme.
The government continues to offer payments to UK households who open their home to a Ukrainian refugee to assist with costs.
Friday, 24 February 2023 marks a year since Russia invaded Ukraine and, as a mark of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, the Ukrainian flag will be flown at full mast at Medway Council’s headquarters at Gun Wharf in Chatham.
We continue to stand with Ukraine and its people
Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said: “Thank you to everyone who currently provides a room to a Ukrainian refugee or who is on a waiting list to be matched. Your generosity to open up your home is a lifeline to people who have endured tragic events over the last year.
“I am pleased to hear that Iryna’s family have settled in UK life and have become part of the Medway community, with her father dedicating his time to volunteering to help people also in need.
“We continue to stand with Ukraine and its people. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Ukrainian people, and any Medway residents with family or friends in the country.”
Volodymyr, his wife Luybov, and Iryna met the Mayor of Medway Cllr Jan Aldous at our headquarters in Chatham last year.
Our thoughts are with the Ukrainian people
The Mayor of Medway, Cllr Jan Aldous, said: “I was pleased to meet Volodymyr, Luybov and Iryna and hear how welcoming Medway’s residents have been to them as well as other families who have fled Ukraine. I hope the warm welcome they have received has comforted them at this difficult time. Our thoughts are with the Ukrainian people, as well as the Medway residents who have family and friends still in Ukraine.”